Bucks Get Huge Jae Crowder Injury Update Before Facing Cavs on Wednesday
The Milwaukee Bucks are getting their veteran forward back ahead of the second half of the season.
By Cem Yolbulan
Not only are the Milwaukee Bucks on a roll, having won three straight and solidifying their position as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, but they also just got excellent news on a key player. Jae Crowder, who missed the last two months with an injury, is set to make his return Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder – out for last two months with core muscle surgery – has been cleared to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers in Cleveland, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Crowder is among Bucks leaders in minutes per game, impacting both ends. pic.twitter.com/WZlvD7hGEg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 16, 2024
Crowder's return to the lineup will provide much-needed wing depth to Milwaukee. Even though the 33-year-old is past his prime, he is still a valuable two-way combo forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch things out on the perimeter.
Ever since he joined the Bucks last season, Crowder has been shooting the lights out, hitting 46.5% from three in 27 games. His ability to defend the other team's best offensive player while spacing the floor on the other end makes Crowder an excellent fit next to Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Crowder can play any position on the perimeter, giving Milwaukee flexibility in their lineups. There is a chance he can slide into the starting lineup in Malik Beasley's place, but he will likely come off the bench for the time being. However, before he was sidelined, he was seing over 26 minutes per game, so we can expect him to play extensively and in closing lineups even if he doesn't start.
Crowder could play an integral for the Bucks because Milwaukee is a top-heavy team. Outside of their core four of Lillard, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, their depth is questionable. They rely heavily on young, inexperienced players like Andre Jackson Jr, and Marjon Beauchamp. Crowder, on the other hand, has played over 100 playoff games and made the Finals twice. His big-game experience and veteran leadership could come in handy as the Bucks prepare for a deep postseason run.
If you think the Bucks can make a run and make the NBA Finals, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to take advantage of the +210 odds for them to win the Eastern Conference. Don't forget to claim FD's sign-up offer that gives you $150 in bonus bets when you deposit $10 and bet $5 on any game, regardless of the outcome, in eligible states.
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