Bucks Guard Set To Miss Time With Hand Fracture

The Milwaukee Bucks were part of a four-team trade before yesterday's 3:00 PM deadline, sending out Donte DiVincenzo and Semi Ojeleye and bringing in two second-round picks and veteran big man Serge Ibaka. The Milwaukee Bucks then had to visit Phoenix for a game against the Suns which they lost 131-107 in an uninspired effort. To pour some salt in the wound, it's being reported that the Bucks will be without high-flying shooting guard Pat Connaughton for an indefinite period of time due to a hand injury he suffered during the third quarter.

The Athletic reported the news shortly after last night's game that Connaughton had suffered a fracture in his right fourth metacarpal:

The injury occurred while Connaughton was defending Chris Paul on a drive to the rim, eventually fouling the Suns point guard with 3:40 remaining in the third quarter. Following the play, Connaughton was seen attending to that right hand and headed to the locker room while holding it.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer said he was "not exactly sure" when Connaughton would return but his absence will be felt as the 29-year-old is by far the Bucks' most reliable option off the bench, averaging 10.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while hitting more than 40% of his three-point attempts.

Teammate Kris Middleton echoed that sentiment when asked about the injury:

He's one of our biggest guys, especially off the bench. He plays a huge and key role for us coming into the starting lineup every now and then, just being that glue guy for us on both sides of the ball. It's going to be tough without him for a while, but hopefully, he can get back sooner rather than later.

We will keep you updated on the latest regarding the injury as well as Milwaukee's temporary replacement options on the buyout market. The Bucks' next game is at home against the Portland Trail Blazers when newly acquire Serge Ibaka is expected to make his debut with the team.