Jericho Sims undergoes surgery, expected to miss four weeks

The Milwaukee Bucks officially announced today that center player Jericho Sims successfully underwent surgery to repair the ligament in his right thumb and is expected to be absent for four weeks with the goal of returning in the playoffs.

Bucks official statement: "Jerico Sims successfully underwent surgery this morning to repair ligaments in his right thumb. The surgery was performed by Dr. Michelle Carlson at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Sims is expected to be out for approximately four weeks, with the goal of returning before the playoffs."

Sims is recovering from the injury he sustained during the Bucks' 126-119 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

Sims was traded from the New York Knicks to the Bucks in February. This is his first season with the Bucks. So far, he has played 14 games for the team, averaging 2.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 68.0% shooting.

The Bucks are currently ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 38 wins and 29 losses, and have won 6 and lost 4 in the last 10 games. The team will challenge the Golden State Warriors on the road on Tuesday to face the Warriors led by Stephen Curry.

Looking back at last season, the Bucks lost to the Pacers 2-4 in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs and were eliminated early. This year, if the team can stay healthy, it will still be a strong competitor in the East.

Although Sims' absence has little impact, his defense and rebounding ability are still valuable in the rotation. As the playoffs approach, the Bucks hope that he can provide the team with inside support at critical moments.