Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton Both Dealing With Injuries, Creating Big Problems For The Team

The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff situation darkened even further in Game 2 of the first round Tuesday when guard Khris Middleton went down with an ankle injury. With star Giannis Antetokounmpo already sidelined, the team now has to deal with two uncertain injury statuses for starters entering Game 3 on Friday.

Though Middleton managed to play through his injury in Game 2, taping up his ankle and playing 36 minutes, he has reportedly not practiced since. Bucks coach Doc Rivers had very little to offer after practice Thursday.

“It’s another holding our breath situation,” Rivers said. “So, honestly, I don’t know.”

Rivers was slightly more optimistic about Antentokounmpo’s status. The star big man missed both games in the first round to recover from a calf strain. Still, it remains unclear when he will be available to play.

“He’s getting close,” Rivers said Thursday. But I don’t know what that even means. I’m being honest. I saw him moving around, and in my mind, I said he’s getting close. Does that mean a day or four days? I’m not sure.”

While Milwaukee piles up injuries to star players, the Indiana Pacers have taken full advantage, winning Game 2 in a 125-108 blowout to even the series. The sixth seed is led by emerging star Tyrese Haliburton, who has not performed brilliantly in the series thus far but has nevertheless facilitated well on offense.

Before the season, the Bucks were one of a handful of teams that could have reasonably won an NBA Championship following the addition of star point guard Damian Lillard. Now, Lillard may have to reassume his role on the Trail Blazers, that of a lone hero, to get this super team through the first round.

If the Pacers successfully upset the Bucks and move on to the Eastern Conference Semifinal, it will be the team’s first trip beyond the first round since 2014.