Forward Khris Middleton, who missed Thursday’s practice after sustaining a right ankle sprain in Tuesday’s Game 2 loss to Indiana, is active and starting tonight for the Bucks, tweets Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
While Middleton being available is obviously good news for Milwaukee, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the third straight game of the first-round series due to a left calf (soleus) strain, as Eric Nehm of The Athletic relays.
A three-time All-Star, Middleton has been hampered by a variety of injuries the past two seasons. In 55 regular season games in 2023/24 (27.0 MPG), the 32-year-old averaged 15.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.3 APG and 0.9 SPG on .493/.381/.833 shooting.
Antetokounmpo continues to deal with the calf injury that has kept him on the sidelines since April 9. He has been ramping up his activity this week, but was unable to go through live drills at Thursday’s practice.
With Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks will need strong performances from Damian Lillard, Middleton and the rest of the supporting cast to keep up with Indiana’s high-powered offense, which ranked second in the NBA during the regular season. Controlling the pace and limiting transition opportunities will be another key to victory. The series is currently tied at one game apiece.
Well this is sort of karma for when Gino ended Kyrie’s playoffs a couple years ago with that dirty play…but still hate to not have one of the best on the floor in the playoffs.
Also Embiid is even dirtier and should serve a suspension. Not sure why this hasn’t happened yet.
Embiid is so in your head it’s amazing.
Yes…my comment was about Embiid? Amazing! Point out the part where I was wrong
Bucks couldn’t get a Reb. And allowed two and three shots in closing mins. You have to make stops in the playoffs. Rebounding the ball is crucial. Bucks had their chances.