Milwaukee Bucks need these 3 players to play great in the playoffs to win a title

Khris Middleton needs to be healthy and play at an elite level.

The Bucks’ 2022 title hopes went down the drain when Middleton was lost to a knee injury. His minutes were restricted all season as he dealt with knee issues.

Now it is the playoffs, and the Bucks need the 2021 playoff version of Middleton if they hope to win another championship.

His numbers were down this season, but he only played in 33 games.

The hope is that less game stress on his knees will allow him to be at his best for this playoff run. Although, he had to leave his final regular season game with knee discomfort.  He has had a chance to rest since the season ended, so Milwaukee now crosses its collective fingers and hopes he can make it through the playoffs.

The Bucks will need the clutch shots he makes to win in the playoffs. Middleton helped get the Bucks to the 2021 NBA Finals when Giannis missed the final games in the Eastern Conference finals with a knee injury.

The two flaws Giannis will always have is free-throw shooting and hitting crunch-time shots from deep. Middleton covers up those flaws with his ability to do those tasks. Plus, Middleton plays the sidekick role to Antetokounmpo perfectly.

Middleton also cannot be ineffective in the playoffs like last year. Before his injury, the Chicago Bulls’ defense harassed him enough to limit his scoring effectiveness.

He must be the version we saw in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Brooklyn Nets. Middleton plays like that, then the Bucks have a great chance at having another championship parade.