NBA Rumors: It’s unlikely Khris Middleton will be back in Game 7 for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Heading into one of the biggest games in the history of the franchise, the Milwaukee Bucks are going to need one of their best performances as a team if they’re going to be able to win a Game 7 on the road.
Historically, it’s highly improbable for road teams to win Games 7’s. Only 20 percent of road teams over the history of the league have won a Game 7 on the road. If the Bucks want to be one of those few select teams, they’re going to not only need Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an extremely high level but also need their supporting cast to step up in a big way.
However, one part of their supporting cast that won’t be able to help is Khris Middleton. While he’s recovering and progressing nicely from his knee injury, it’s unlikely that he’ll be available for the team in Game 7 (per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst).
The Bucks have survived relatively well without Middleton in the lineup against the Celtics. However, they could end up feeling his absence most in Game 7 on the road. These are the circumstances when stars are supposed to lead. And the Bucks not having Middleton will certainly hurt Sunday afternoon.
Despite Middleton’s (likely) continued absence, that doesn’t mean the Bucks won’t have a shot on the road. After all, these are the defending champs who have already won twice in Boston during this series.
Giannis is arguably the best player in the world right now and could go for a 50-piece on any given night. The Bucks will have a punch for the Celtics in Game 7. The big question, of course, is whether or not they have their best one still available.
Without Middleton in Game 7, there’s no guarantee of that.