The Milwaukee Bucks are actually being examined, as they’re coming off an enormous victory within the 2024 NBA Cup Finals in opposition to the very best crew within the West, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Now, because the Bucks put together to re-enter the common season, their subsequent check pits them in opposition to the very best crew within the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Milwaukee has already dominated out star guard Damian Lillard. Initially, throughout the second quarter of the NBA Cup Finals in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Lillard mentioned he felt “some irritation in his calf”; Nonetheless, the harm was upgraded to a pressure in Thursday night time’s harm report.
It is a large blow for the Bucks as they put together to face the primary crew within the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lillard has been instrumental in Milwaukee’s current success averaging 25.7 factors, 4.5 rebounds and seven.5 assists per sport. The seven-time NBA All-Star has actually discovered his footing right here in current weeks, creating a dynamic two-man sport with teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Additionally listed on the harm report as “possible” are key gamers Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Antetokounmpo has been coping with tendinopathy (ache) in his proper kneecap since coaching camp. Antetokounmpo will play on this sport.
As for Khris Middleton, he has been battling an sickness since being despatched house from observe on Monday. Coach Doc Rivers made the choice to maintain Middleton off the crew throughout the NBA Cup Finals, the place he was absent from the court docket and bench.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers informed reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton will play tonight in Cleveland. https://t.co/cwKNsZYUEM
– Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 20, 2024
Middleton appeared within the quarterfinals and semifinals of the 2024 NBA Cup; nonetheless, he solely recorded 4 video games this season that he was capable of play. The three-time NBA All Star has struggled with accidents, which considerably impacted his time on the court docket; Nonetheless, the Bucks are 3-1 when he performed this yr. His presence on the sector nonetheless has a robust influence on the success of this crew.
When requested why Middleton missed the NBA Cup Finals, Coach Rivers pointed to the following two video games on the common season schedule. The Bucks have a aggressive schedule for the following set of video games, beginning with the top-ranked Cleveland Cavs, and the precedence is ensuring Khris Middleton is wholesome and able to play for the remainder of the season .
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