The Nets aren’t the only Eastern Conference contender dealing with a significant breach. Your potential opponent in the second round also has one.
In contrast to the strained plantar fascia in Jeff Green’s left foot, which will shut him down for 10 days, the bucks will do without security guard Donte DiVincenzo for the rest of the postseason The former Villanova star has a torn ligament in his left ankle, the Bucks announced on Friday, a day after they took a 3-0 lead from the heat in their playoff series in the opening round. The 24-year-old DiVincenzo started 66 games in the regular season and averaged a career high of 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
« It’s a heavy blow, but you have to deal with it somehow and understand that it’s an unfortunate thing, but we have to prepare and get ready, « Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. « Other guys will have chances. »
Jeff Teague, Bryn Forbes and Pat Connaughton are all options to replace DiVincenzo. Forbes and Connaughton are key reserves that make up an integral part of Bucks’ second unit. The 32-year-old Teague has a lot of experience but was not in Budenholzer’s playoff rotation.
« Jeff Teague, his ability to intervene and play and help us certainly gives us confidence, » said Budenholzer. « Everyone has to be ready to go. If you wear a uniform, you have to be ready. »
The Nets and Bucks appear to be on a collision course to meet in the conference semifinals. The Bucks took two out of three off the nets during the regular season. While Milwaukee can end the heat in Miami on Saturday afternoon, the Nets faced the Celtics 2-0 on Friday evening after two convincing home wins.
It remains to be seen how much green – if at all – can play in the next round , provided the nets advance as expected. The valuable reserve forward will be revalued in nine days. If the Bucks and Nets both win their respective series in five or fewer games, their series would begin next Saturday in Brooklyn. Otherwise it would start two days later.
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