The injury bug continues to plague the Bucks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that Nikola Mirotic has sustained a slight fracture of his left thumb. League sources tell Charania that Mirotic is expected to be sidelined for at least two to four weeks.
Mirotic had just entered Milwaukee’s starting lineup within the last few days, replacing Malcolm Brogdon, who is expected to be on the shelf for at least six weeks due to a foot injury. Now the Bucks will have to find another new starter to replace Mirotic, who may be out until the playoffs — the final day of the regular season is three weeks from today.
Acquired by the Bucks at last month’s trade deadline, Mirotic missed his first few games due to a strained right calf, but had settled in nicely since then, averaging 11.6 PPG and 5.4 RPG on .415/.356/.870 in 22.9 minutes per contest for Milwaukee.
With Mirotic sidelined, the Bucks may have to lean a little more heavily on the likes of Ersan Ilyasova and D.J. Wilson in the frontcourt. New addition Pau Gasol could see some action as well, as the club looks to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
great
2 key pieces go down before the playoffs , not looking good right now
From the Great Rust Belt emerged
A mighty Stag, seeking glory.
Decades had passed since it last was crowned,
Winters of bleak mediocrity.
Brightened by the Greek Son,
Strengthened by the Wizened Bud
The Stag longed to venture west
and duel the vaunted Warriors.
But alas, how its plans were thwarted
Arrows struck it in its Sole,
And the Rock of Montenegro cracked.
Hark! The Stag is wounded.
Yet on he marches, the Wounded Stag,
To give battle to all the seen.
Its strength is great but could be stronger.
Makes one wonder of what might have been.
It shall yet still be won,
Just not four-oh round 1.
Then Pacers, also put upon.
Just get ready for the second round boys. Brogdon/Mirotic shouldn’t be necessary to beat an Eastern 8 seed. Just make they’re ready for round 2
DJ Wilson will fill in just fine as he’s much more athletic. The key is holding fort until Brogdon returns.