Biggest X-factor for each Milwaukee Bucks player in 2024-25

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton - Health

Even with the midseason coaching change, roster holes and lack of chemistry, that biggest problem with the Milwaukee Bucks last season was their health.

All three of their stars dealt with injuries at some point. Khris Middleton was in and out of the lineup and played just 55 games. Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared in 73 regular season games but was sidelined for the entire playoffs due to a freak soleus strain. Lillard played 74 regular season games but got injured in the playoffs, having missed two games, which undoubtedly hurt.

To win it all, the Milwaukee Bucks need all of these players to be healthy. If any of them go down, it will spell trouble for their goals. Whether Doc Rivers cuts back on their minutes or gives them a game off here and there, the Bucks and this trio must try their best to stay as healthy as possible. Of course, it is hard to avoid freakish injuries, so that is always a looming possibility.

The Milwaukee Buck this pertains to the most is Khris Middleton, who has played just 88 games over the past two regular seasons. He's dealt with a litany of injuries over the years, but as he showed in last year's playoffs, when he's healthy, he can be a difference-maker. He's the perfect third fiddle to Antetokounmpo and Lillard and is the team's ultimate X-factor this season.

After offseason surgery on both ankles, the hope is that Khris Middleton will be ready to start the season and can stay healthy throughout it.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.