by Ben Perks
The Bucks’ NBA Championship odds have taken a severe hit after Khris Middleton sprained his knee in the Game 2 loss against the Chicago Bulls. Vegas oddsmakers lengthened the defending champions’ odds after Milwaukee announced that the all-star forward would be out for two weeks, meaning he will miss the East First Round.
Bucks’ Chances of Defending Their Crown Fade
Before the series with Chicago, NBA betting sites had Milwaukee as the joint third favorite to win the 2022 NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. But if the 114-110 hadn’t been enough to see the Bucks significantly tumble down the odds table, the injury to Middleton certainly was.
The Bucks have gone from +600 to +1000 and are now the sixth favorites to lift the trophy at online sportsbooks.
Middleton suffered a sprained left MCL in the fourth quarter of Game 2 while trying to pull off a comeback after trailing the Bulls by 18. Although he had a subdued first half, the forward scored 15 second-half points before falling awkwardly in the post.
His injury is a significant blow because the sure-scorer works exceptionally well as a wingman to Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the regular season, Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists – including a 37.3% mark from beyond the arc.
Who Needs to Step up for Milwaukee?
As Antetokounmpo is already averaging 30 points and 17 boards in the last two playoff games, it’s time for other players to fill the hole left by Middleton.
Jrue Holiday has shown promise by averaging 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists, but he’ll likely have his plate full trying to slow down either DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer could bring on Jordan Nwora.
Therefore, it comes down to Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, and Wes Matthews to carry the burden – yet many will agree that they are far from Middleton’s level.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer could bring on Jordan Nwora. However, many expect him to give Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis (who suffered an eye injury and played only six minutes in Game 2) the extra touches.
Milwaukee Bucks: Betting Outlook
The Bucks were sitting pretty at +275 to come out of the East after beating the Bulls in Game 1. But the combination of their performance in Game 2 and Middleton’s injury has seen them fall to fourth at +410.
Although they should have enough to see off the Bulls, the Bucks could face the Boston Celtics in the next round. As the Celtics have shown that they can shut out a healthy Kevin Durant, they should be able to handle a recovering Middleton.
If the Bucks make it to the East Finals, they’ll face either Philadelphia or Miami – two teams that have been equally dominant in this year’s playoffs.
Nevertheless, as Middleton could get back to his best quickly in the Second Round, futures bettors will wager on Milwaukee winning the Eastern Conference at +400.
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Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
