John Hefferon MD
2 min read • April 13, 2023
Posted in
The Milwaukee Bucks capped a 58-win season and clinched the top seed in a brutally tough Eastern Conference, but their title hopes could come down to the health of Khris Middleton.
Middleton reportedly underwent an MRI on his right knee last week and has spent the week rehabbing to get ready for the playoffs.
The 31-year-old carries a SIC score of 72 for the first round of the playoffs, indicating that his minutes will have to be managed just as they were during the regular season.
Excluding his rookie season with the Pistons, Middleton averaged career-lows in minutes, shooting percentage and three-point percentage while playing in his fewest games in his tenure with the Bucks (33).
Right knee soreness, likely related to his meniscus, has kept him from getting in rhythm virtually all season.
His longest stretch of games came from late January to early February, when he played in eight straight.
Middleton averaged 30.1 minutes and 18.7 points across 11 games in March, but reportedly aggravated his right knee injury on April 5 against the Bulls.
The three-time All-Star has been candid about his battle to stay healthy this season, telling The Athletic in a January interview: “rehab is tougher than the games.”
Middleton also added “rest doesn’t do it any good, it’s just building it back up slowly.”
A left knee MCL sprain knocked him out of the playoffs last season, missing the Bucks final 10 games and the entire series against the Celtics.
This year’s issues have been with the other knee.
Milwaukee has gotten by with increased scoring output from Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Jrue Holiday. However, it’s tough to replicate what Middleton does on the defensive end.
The Bucks finished the regular season ranked 14th in points allowed per game and last in the league in turnovers forced.
While their first-round opponent remains to be seen, the Bucks are the betting favorite to win the NBA Championship currently at +250, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Written by John Hefferon MD
