The Milwaukee Bucks have run into a wall as they look to defend their title. Not only are they tied 1-1 with the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, but Khris Middleton also may not be able to help Giannis Antetokounmpo and the crew defend their title.
Middleton injured his MCL in Game 2 against the Bulls, which the Bucks lost 114-110. No timetable has been officially released, though one report says it will be several weeks. According to Dario Melendez of WISN 12 News, Middleton will be out for up to four weeks:
Being told Middleton is OUT 3-4 weeks @WISN12News #FearTheDeer
— Dario Melendez (@Dario_Melendez) April 21, 2022
Middleton, who became the latest star to get injured during the playoffs, is a crucial piece for the Bucks because of his smooth scoring. He averaged 20.1 points per game this season and 23.6 points per game in last season's playoffs. The three-time All-Star is not alone on the Bucks' injury report, as Bobby Portis suffered an eye injury, though it likely won't make him miss significant time.
Antetokounmpo, who knows what it's like to be injured during the NBA playoffs, is hoping Middleton can return soon. After Middleton and the Bucks held down the fort in the Eastern Conference Finals last season while Antetokounmpo recovered from a hyperextended knee, it's Giannis' turn to step up while his co-star recovers.
Seeing Khris Middleton on the injury report is obviously not what the team wants to see. The Bulls are beatable but have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. As the series shifts to Chicago, Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and their Bucks teammates will have to play their best ball.
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