The Milwaukee Bucks have been title favorites since winning their first NBA championship after 50 years in the 2020-21 season. The trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday dominated in the Eastern Conference and made it to the NBA finals in the 2020-21 season. But the future of the team seems uncertain this upcoming season. According to reports, the All-star forward Khris Middleton will miss the first few weeks of the regular season.
The 31-year-old has played a vital role in the success of the Milwaukee Bucks in the past few seasons. The Bucks have consistently made the playoffs and the conference finals due to the MVP-level performances of Giannis Antetokounmpo and 6’7” forward, Khris Middleton. The addition of the All-star point guard Jrue Holiday in 2020 helped them win their first championship after 50 years.
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Heavy blow to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks before season start
Khris Middleton suffered an MCL sprain in the first round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls last year, due to which he missed the remaining games in the playoffs. Due to the absence of an All-Star caliber player, the Bucks could not make it out of a tough Eastern Conference.
The Bucks would get eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics. Due to the heroic efforts of Antetokounmpo, the series went to seven games, but they would ultimately lose out to the Celtics’ defense.
In the offseason, Middleton had another injury. He underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist in July. The forward was to return to the Bucks by the start of the regular season. But recent reports reveal that Middleton will miss the first few weeks of the season as he is still in rehab from the surgery.
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton is expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season as he rehabs from offseason wrist surgery, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Middleton said at Media Day that he did not expect to play in the season opener this week.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 17, 2022
The absence of Middleton will significantly impact the team’s record in the first few weeks. Fans have taken their frustrations and qualms regarding the team’s upcoming season to social media. Here are some of the reactions.
The Bucks are finished
— t☘️ (@DPOYDUGGER) October 17, 2022
NO MAN NOT KASH MONEY KHRIS 😔😔😔😔
— Juan Pacheco’s Burner 🇩🇴 (@slimericaaa) October 17, 2022
This gonna be a tough start to the season with Khris & Pat out
— M 🍉 (@MisterMarimo) October 17, 2022
Real talk, bucks are still a top 3 team in The east, but they not beating the Celtics or Nets in the playoffs without this man right here. They most definitely need him back healthy.
— DreLakerNation2408 (@EarlyDreDay) October 17, 2022
Hope he gets better soon🙏
— 🇪🇸 (@manavfcb) October 17, 2022
This will hurt.
— Cody Burris (@PastorBrownie) October 17, 2022
https://twitter.com/HoodiDrew/status/1582015640038084608?s=20&t=3DVde6_8xo7NPS9JY35ZIA
less of a challenge in the east for the Nets💎
— burner (@alex93899882) October 17, 2022
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The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t make any ground-breaking off-season moves. They re-signed most of their existing players and made very few new additions to the roster. The Bucks resigned Bobby Portis, Serge Ibaka, and Pat Connaughton. However, the team will miss out on Connaughton’s contributions as he will also miss the first few weeks of the regular season due to a strained calf.
Watch the Story – I?felt small Serena Williams and daughter Olympia meet NBA superstar Giannis antetokounmpo
The absence of Middleton will affect the rotations of the team. Coach Mike Budenholzer will have to navigate this situation and ensure the Bucks can maintain a winning record.
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Do you think the Milwaukee Bucks can win the East this year? Let us know in the comments below.