Bucks Battle Playoff Pressure: Key Injuries Threaten Championship Hopes
The Milwaukee Bucks have navigated a season filled with both potential and adversity. As they approach the final stretch of the regular season, they find themselves in a tight battle for playoff positioning. Currently holding the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee is looking to finish strong. However, injuries to key players could make this challenge even more difficult.
One of the latest setbacks for the Bucks is the loss of center Jericho Sims, who recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The injury occurred during Milwaukee’s 126-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on March 15. The team announced on March 17 that Sims had undergone a successful procedure and is expected to miss approximately four weeks. That timeline means he could return just in time for the NBA playoffs.
Sims, who was acquired in February from the New York Knicks, has provided depth off the bench, averaging 15 minutes per game in 14 appearances. During that stretch, he has contributed 2.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest. While his role is limited, his absence leaves Milwaukee without another frontcourt option as they battle through the final weeks of the season.
Adding to the Bucks’ concerns is the injury status of star point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard has been sidelined due to right calf soreness, forcing him to miss Milwaukee’s last two games. His availability moving forward remains uncertain, but the Bucks will certainly need their All-Star guard at full strength if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
As Milwaukee prepares to take on the Phoenix Suns on Monday and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, these matchups serve as crucial opportunities to strengthen their playoff standing. If the season ended today, the Bucks would be facing the No. 4-seeded Pacers in the first round. With limited time left, every game matters as Milwaukee looks to overcome adversity and gain momentum heading into the postseason.
