Milwaukee Bucks And Philadelphia 76ers Injury Reports

The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers have already been hit by the injury bug before even playing a regular season game. For the Bucks, All-Star Khris Middleton will miss opening night as he continues recovering from offseason ankle surgery. His absence leaves a hole in the Bucks rotation, especially with his two-way impact on both ends of the floor.

Young wings like Jordan Nwora, MarJon Beauchamp and AJ Green will need to step up in his place. This gives them an early opportunity to earn Coach Mike Budenholzer's trust. Though Budenholzer has shown a tendency to lean on veterans, the Bucks need their young players to produce, especially early on.

As for the Sixers, they'll be down two stars in Joel Embiid and Paul George. Embiid is working his way back from a foot injury while George rehabs from shoulder surgery. Their absences put more on the plate of James Harden to anchor the offense. It also creates an opportunity for rookie Jared McCain, who is expected to play through a pulmonary contusion.

While injuries are never welcomed, they do allow for unlikely players to emerge in bigger roles. For the Bucks and Sixers, opening night will test their roster depth and give young players a chance at more minutes. If Beauchamp and company can capitalize, it may carve out a regular spot for them even upon Middleton's return.