NBA

Khris Middleton Out At Least Two Weeks

NBA: Playoffs-Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 20, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) in the first half during game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

If the Milwaukee Bucks are to advance past the first round of the playoffs, it will have to be without Khris Middleton for the remainder of the series — if not more.

The veteran suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss at least two weeks, according to the team. At that point, he will be re-evaluated to determine a potential return.

Mar 16, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) gets set for a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Middleton went down in the fourth quarter of Milwaukee’s Game 2 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday evening. The series is now heading to Chicago for Game 3 on Friday, with the series tied 1-1.

The former second-round draft pick has long been one of the Bucks’ best and most consistent players since being acquired by the franchise prior to the 2013-14 campaign. He’s averaged more than 20 points per game in four of the last five seasons and is also recognized as one of the game’s premier three-point shooters, hitting 39.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc for his 10-year career.

Given the way the Bulls stormed back to win Game 2 once Middleton was gone, the loss is mildly concerning for Milwaukee. The team should have enough firepower to overcome Chicago in the long series; however, a potential showdown with Boston (should they hold on to beat Brooklyn) would be a tough challenge if Middleton were to miss any of those games.

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