Report: Bucks Will Have To Get Through Celtics Without Their All-Star Forward

The Milwaukee Bucks, now that they've disposed of the Chicago Bulls, are going to be facing a tall task with the Boston Celtics, particularly with the news that All-Star forward Khris Middleton will miss the entire second-round series. 

The left MCL injury of Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton is a Grade 2 sprain and he is expected to miss the entire second-round series vs. Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The recovery of Grade 2 MCL places a potential Conference Finals in jeopardy for him as well.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 28, 2022

The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that he has a Grade 2 MCL sprain which should be enough to keep him out of not only this series, but perhaps even longer.

ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski says nothing will happen with Middleton for at least two weeks.

“There’s not a sense that he’s going to get reevaluated at two weeks and then all of a sudden be back at practice and be ready to play,” Wojnarowski said during Wednesday's NBA Today. “That’s (only) a benchmark in this process."  Indeed, as noted by Charania, his return for any Conference Finals appearance—should the Bucks get there—is in jeopardy as well.

Middleton remains optimistic that the defending champions can get by without him for now. “We did it last year as a group,” Middleton said recently. “When Giannis (Antetokounmpo) went down (in the Eastern Conference Finals) everybody stepped up and played a major part, so I expect nothing less. I feel like guys are ready to step up and play. They know right now it’s win or go home time.”

Photo Credit:  Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports