Injuries are going to play a role in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with little margin between Milwaukee, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Boston (sorry Indiana, but the injury to Victor Oladipo leaves it a step back of these teams in the postseason).
Which is why this is such a blow.
Bucks starting two guard Malcolm Brogdon has a minor plantar fascia tear in his right foot, and while the team will not put a timeline on it he reportedly will be out 6-8 weeks. That would have him missing at least the first round of the playoffs, and probably more.
Malcolm Brogdon underwent an MRI and subsequent examination today that revealed a minor plantar fascia tear in his right foot.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 17, 2019
Brogdon will be listed as out and his status will be updated as appropriate.https://t.co/8c7Jh2vR7r
There is optimism that Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (minor plantar fascia tear) could return closer to the six-week mark, league sources tell @wojespn and me. @espn story: https://t.co/2wDlG0sM9M
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 17, 2019
The Bucks are banged up at the guard spot, although on the bright side George Hill returned from injury yesterday.
While Malcolm Brogdon is out for the foreseeable future, the Bucks will remain without Sterling Brown (right wrist soreness) tomorrow vs Philadelphia. Pat Connaughton is probable with a right ankle sprain and Donte DiVincenzo is questionable with heel bursitis.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) March 17, 2019
Brogdon plays a key role in the Bucks success, scoring an efficient 15.6 points per game, taking almost all his shots either from three or in the paint. He is simply a smart player who can create for himself or others and is a solid defender. There’s a drop off for the Bucks with him out of the lineup.
Milwaukee will still finish with the best record in the NBA and can win a first-round series without Brogdon, but the Bucks will need him in the second round and beyond if they are going to make the kind of run they expect.