NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Raptors vs. Bucks matchup

Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Raptors 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) scores in the fourth quarter against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Middleton scored 24 points to help the Bucks beat the Raptors 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton is underrated. Despite his status as an NBA player and giant human, he’s not even the most famous Middleton. Soon he’ll become so synonymous with being underrated that the backlash pendulum will swing him to the periphery of overratedness.

It’s easy to overlook Middleton’s brilliance. He doesn’t provide an edge-of-your-seat highlight reel. His stats in the box score usually don’t slap you across the face. He’s one of those players who’s good at everything and great at nothing, excelling in omnicompetent proficiency.

He’s also a capable defender at multiple positions, lending himself nicely to the long-limbed, polymorphic defensive scheme Jason Kidd is trying to run.

The Bucks are 20-12 since he returned to action from his hamstring injury on Feb. 8. That marks the third-most wins in the league during that time frame, trailing only the Warriors and Spurs. Before Middleton’s recovery and re-entry on the court, the Bucks stood at 22-28, good for nineteenth-most wins in the NBA.

It doesn’t take a math whiz to calculate the clear effect he has on his team.

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