Update: Middleton has returned to the game, which is a huge relief for the Bucks and their fans. We’ll see if he’s able to successfully play through the injury without any setbacks.
Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton, who had a strong outing in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, suffered an ankle injury early in Game 2 of the series Tuesday. Middleton did go back to the locker room to get the issue checked out further. He had one rebound and one assist at the time he left.
Middleton walked straight back to the locker room at this timeout.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 24, 2024
Bucks up, 19-13, with 6:21 left in the first quarter. https://t.co/amiwYGkQaJ
This could be a serious problem for the Bucks, who are already without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the start of the series as he deals with a calf strain. Middleton has been injured at crucial junctures before, and he did deal with an ankle issue earlier in the season. The most problematic injury has been the knee issue he suffered a few postseasons ago, which the team has had to manage since then. Hopefully, this ankle injury isn’t anything serious.
If Middleton is unable to continue, Malik Beasley and MarJon Beauchamp would get more minutes in the rotation. Beasley would likely get more shots as well. Damian Lillard, who has already taken on a bigger role, would be tasked with even more responsibility. Bobby Portis would likely also get some additional shots in the offense.