The Milwaukee Bucks have needed to cope with quite a few accidents this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed 4 straight video games earlier than going through the Pacers on New 12 months’s Eve. He dominated the sport, scoring 30 factors and grabbing 12 rebounds within the 120-112 victory.
Damian Lillard additionally performed on this sport and was held scoreless within the first half for the primary time in his profession. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless good for Bucks followers to see him play alongside Antetokounmpo. These two stars weren’t the one gamers to return from harm to face the Pacers.
Khris Middleton additionally performed in opposition to the Pacers. It was solely the tenth time this season he performed. It was the primary time all three gamers performed in the identical sport this season, and it took till the ultimate day of 2024 for it to occur for Milwaukee.
Heading into Milwaukee’s sport in opposition to the Nets, Middleton discovered his approach again onto the harm report. He’s listed as possible resulting from his bilateral ankle surgical procedures which triggered him to overlook the primary month and a half of the 12 months. They attempt to be very cautious with him.
Middleton will play on this sport.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers advised reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton will play tonight in opposition to Brooklyn.
AJ Inexperienced (lumbar contusion) might be out. https://t.co/Tyfu1ehR8y
– Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 2, 2025
He had 15 factors in his earlier sport in opposition to the Pacers. He’s averaging 13.8 factors per sport within the ten video games he has performed. Middleton wants to start out ramping as much as be in mid-season form by April.
At this level, that’s what the Bucks are hoping for. They need their three star gamers wholesome for the playoffs. Middleton, nonetheless, is the one participant who must play as many video games as potential. He must get again into form earlier than the playoffs begin.
The Bucks misplaced to the Nets somewhat over every week in the past, however they did not have Antetokounmpo for that sport. Additionally they did not have Lillard for the sport. Nonetheless, the Bucks had been indignant that they did not win a sport in opposition to a workforce that wasn’t making an attempt to make the playoffs.
Successful video games in opposition to dangerous groups is one thing they should do in the event that they wish to enhance their standing within the Jap Convention. They’re presently solely half a sport forward of the seventh seed.
Extra greenback information: Bucks Information: The place does Giannis Antetokounmpo land in All Star voting honors?