Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in series closer with Indiana Pacers

By Jordan Treske

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers battle for the loose basketball in the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 22, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers battle for the loose basketball in the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 22, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The man behind the mask

For the first three months of the season, the Pacers had been one of the pleasant surprises of the season in the Eastern Conference. And the long-awaited return of All-Star guard Victor Oladipo had been looked at as the Pacers’ big midseason acquisition, so to speak.

But now that Oladipo has carved out a regular role after making his return to action at the end of January, it’s been far from a seamless transition for the 27-year-old. The Pacers are 5-5 in games with Oladipo in the fold and his availability has already been a concern as he’s missed games with back spasms and right knee soreness, with the latter ailment preventing him from playing in the Pacers’ most recent win over the Spurs.

Of course, that’s the same knee in which Oladipo suffered a ruptured right quad tendon midway through the 2018-19 season and it could prevent him from appearing against the Bucks Wednesday night, per The Athletic’s Scott Agness.

When in action, Oladipo’s minutes have steadily gone up over the last month as the minutes restriction that head coach Nate McMillan had in place has been gradually lifted as he’s attempted to settle back into rhythm.

Given the severity of Oladipo’s injury and rehabilitation, it would have been a stretch to expect a smooth transition for both him and the Pacers, but his play and overall form is still worth watching as he tries to get back to the All-Star level he played at before his injury.

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