Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report (Nov 15): Latest update on Damian Lillard, Jae Crowder, and Khris Middelton’s status
The Milwaukee Bucks avoided losing their third game in a row by defeating Chicago Bulls 118-109 on Tuesday. Milwaukee (6-4) will try to build momentum against the Toronto Raptors(5-5) in the Scotiabank Arena in Canada at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.
Against the Chicago Bulls, they had Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton in their starting lineup. In the Bucks' recent injury report, both players have been cleared to play against the Raptors.
In their last game, Damian Lillard had 12 points and five assists while Khris Middleton contributed 13 points and six rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 35 points and 11 rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the injury list as probable and has a sore calf. Joining him on the list is Chris Livingston, who is marked as out due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Jae Crowder is set to be sidelined for a longer duration. Crowder sustained a left groin injury in Bucks' defeat against Orlando Magic on Nov. 11. He is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be out until mid-January.
Milwaukee Bucks lament on missing the presence of veteran forward Jae Crowder
While the Milwaukee Bucks are still finding their rhythm to get around Damian Lillard, the team will be without Jae Crowder, who is seen as a glue guy in the locker room. Crowder's groin injury is a big blow, according to Antetokounmpo, who believes the veteran forward's contribution goes beyond the statistical sheet.
"Obviously it's going to be hard not to have him," Antetokounmpo said after beating the Bulls. "His presence is very important to the team. He's extremely vocal, helps everybody be in the right position, encourages everybody, motivates everybody. At the same time, he's had a great start to the season spacing out the floor for us, being great defensively, making great plays offensively."
Jae Crowder has played nine games and has averaged 8.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season. His best performance was against the Brooklyn Nets where he tallied 15 points, five rebounds and one steal.
After the game against the Toronto Raptors, the Bucks will then battle the Charlotte Hornets to end their road trip. They return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 18 at the Fiserv Forum.