INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks will be without star Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3 of their playoff series against Indiana on Friday night, but will have All-Star Khris Middleton in the starting lineup.

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of Friday night's Game 3 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, but All-Star Khris Middleton be in the starting lineup

  • Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his left hamstring April 9

  • The Bucks made the announcement about the two-time NBA MVP on social media Friday

  • Middleton sprained his right ankle in Tuesday night's loss to the Pacers

Middelton was activated after going through pregame workouts, showing coaches and team doctors he could move effectively.

Middleton is averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5 assists through the first two games and finished Tuesday night's Game 2 loss after spraining his right ankle.

While Rivers said Antetokounmpo did more at practice than he had been during a nearly three-week absence with a strained left calf, he still avoided live workouts. The Bucks waited until Friday to officially announce Antetokounmpo would miss another game.

The two-time NBA MVP has not played since getting hurt April 9.

The series is tied 1-1. Indiana is trying to take its first lead in a playoff series since 2018.

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