By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Experienced Milwaukee Bucks swingman Khris Middleton is expected to remain sidelined through the NBA Playoffs’ second-round best-of-seven series against the Boston Celtics, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Middleton, 30, was initially sidelined for at least two weeks. Dampening the hopes for yet another extended postseason run, the sprained medial collateral ligament is Grade 2 and can keep the former Texas A&M standout on the sidelines beyond the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as noted in the latest update. Game 1 versus the Celtics will be held at TD Garden on Sunday (19:00 CET).
Deprived the services of Middleton after Game 2 of the best-of-seven series opposite the Chicago Bulls, the defending NBA champions logged three wins in a row to clinch the berth to the next round and thus produce the new best-of-seven series. Bobby Portis replaced Middleton in the starting five and Grayson Allen stepped up averaging 20.6 points per contest from Game 3 through Game 5. Unaltered, the driving force for the team coached by Mike Budenholzer was Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Besides Middleton, veteran George Hill has been on the injury list since suffering an abdominal strain three weeks ago. Beyond the home-court advantage for the Celtics, head coach Ime Udoka also enjoys a fully healthy squad.
On the opposite end of the Eastern Conference Semifinals bracket, the Miami Heat will face the Philadelphia 76ers or the Atlanta Hawks. The Western Conference Semifinals field features the Golden State Warriors and three remaining spots up for grabs.
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