The Milwaukee Bucks might have to play their next playoff game against the Indiana Pacers without two key players.
Khris Middleton hurt his right ankle and couldn’t practice on Thursday, so it’s uncertain if he’ll play in Game 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s star player, has a left calf injury and is unlikely to play.
Coach Doc Rivers said they’re waiting to see if Middleton can play. Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful, and Middleton’s status is questionable for Friday’s game.
Middleton got injured in Game 2 but played through it, scoring 19 points. Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since April 9 because of his calf injury.
Rivers mentioned that Antetokounmpo did some practice, but they’re not sure when he’ll be back. They’re hopeful he’s getting closer to returning, but there’s no definite timeline.
The Bucks have been without some key players for many games this season. Out of their last 35 games, their top three players — Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Damian Lillard — only played together in five of them.
This includes the last 33 regular-season games and the first two playoff games.
“We’ve had situations like this throughout the season,” said Bucks center Brook Lopez. “We’re ready for it. We’ve faced all kinds of challenges. Of course, we’d prefer to have them on the court, but if they need to prioritize their health, we understand.”
Dealing with injuries during the playoffs is nothing new for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo missed part of the 2020 playoffs due to an ankle injury, and some games in the 2021 playoffs because of a knee injury.
Middleton also missed playoff games in 2022 due to injury, and Antetokounmpo was sidelined in the playoffs last year with a back injury.
