The Bucks have had a shaky season so far. However, they have managed to hold on to that fourth spot in the East standings, which might end up being their final seeding for the playoffs. But with fifteen games remaining in the regular season, things could change drastically, especially after the unfortunate health update about big man Jericho Sims.

As per the Bucks’ latest announcement, Sims is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks. That means he is unlikely to return for the remainder of the regular season. Reason? He underwent surgery this morning to repair a torn ligament on his right thumb. Turns out, the Center suffered the injury during Saturday’s clash against the Pacers.

Despite the injury, Sims suited up against the Thunder the following night but did not have much impact as he went scoreless in twelve minutes. Ironically, the surgery was performed by Dr. Michelle Carlson at the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York, the city that Jericho represented until he got traded to the Bucks at last month’s deadline. Fortunately, there is optimism that the high flyer could return in the playoffs to boost his team’s chances of winning a title.

Of course, the former Knicks star moved to Milwaukee last month as part of the blockbuster Khris Middleton—Kyle Kuzma trade. And Sims has become a key part of the Bucks’ rotation, averaging 2.4 points and nearly five rebounds.

Jericho Sims has been everything you’d want in an athletic, switchable, and rangy defensive big man. Night after night, he puts his versatility on display—extending far beyond the paint, locking down drives, and keeping up with perimeter players like it’s second nature.

Even Doc Rivers had high praise for Sims after the Bucks brought him in. “I just saw the athleticism,” Rivers said, adding that he had a long conversation with Shaka Smart—Sims’ former coach at Texas—who “loved him.”

Sims plays like a classic big man, focusing on screening, rolling, rebounding, boxing out, and thriving off the ball. That made him a perfect fit for Rivers’ system, with the coach summing it up simply: “Jericho, he’s been amazing for us.”

So, his four-week absence is a huge blow to the team. Amid his unavailability, Brook Lopez is likely to see an increase in minutes and Giannis Antetokounmpo might be forced to play the Center position due to the team’s lack of size.

Bobby Portis’ return becomes crucial for Bucks amid Jericho Sims’ Injury

Well, Sims’ injury might not have affected the Milwaukee team a lot had Portis been available to take over that big man position. With his 6’10 frame, he provides the Bucks that defensive presence, giving Giannis more room to operate.

Unfortunately, even Bobby cannot suit up right now as he is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug policy by testing positive for the banned painkiller, Tramadol. His suspension began February 20 against the Clippers.

Sure, Portis has clarified that this violation was nothing but an honest mistake, “I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation. During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved.”

But rules are rules and the forward’s penalty has not been reduced. “I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans.” Bobby added.

Obviously, Portis has been a huge part of the Bucks’ success, averaging 13.7 points and over eight rebounds. And with Sims out, the team would be desperately waiting for Bobby’s return.

Unfortunately, that cannot happen until April 8 against the Timberwolves because that’s when his suspension ends. So, the Bucks are helpless in this situation and will have to rely on Giannis and Lopez to protect the paint until Portis and Sims are available. Do you think they can hold on to their fourth seed in these unfortunate circumstances?