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Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out, Khris Middleton to start for Bucks against Pacers in Game 3

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Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo talks to Damian Lillard on the bench during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA playoff basketball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

INDIANAPOLIS – 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.

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

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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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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA