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Jae Crowder, Goran Dragic, Meyers Leonard all out for the game vs. the Utah Jazz

Originally posted on FanNation Bucks Zone
By Matthew Dugandzic | Last updated 3/24/23

The Milwaukee Bucks recently vocalized their intentions of capturing the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the best record in the entire league. They look to keep their winning run going on Friday night when they take on the surprising Utah Jazz. However, the team will be missing several key players, including a couple who are in the rotation.

Jae Crowder remains out

Rugged forward Jae Crowder will not be suiting up on Friday as he continues to recover from calf soreness. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says the 11-year pro continues to make good progress on his recovery but will remain out.

With the NBA Playoffs nearing and the Bucks firmly atop the league standings, it’s a wise move by Budenholzer and the rest of the team’s medical staff to ensure Crowder is healthy before throwing him back into the mix. After all, Crowder will have a huge role to play on both ends of the floor, whether it’s opening the floor up with his three-point shooting or playing defense on the opposing team’s best players.

Another player who’s also dealing with a calf issue is backup big man Meyers Leonard. The 7-footer has only played in six games for the Bucks but has been signed for the rest of the season after a two-year hiatus from the NBA.

When will Goran Dragic play?

The team also announced that veteran point guard Goran Dragic would remain on the sidelines due to a sore knee. The 36-year-old has yet to see the floor for Milwaukee ever since the team signed him up on March 4th.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer has yet to provide an update as to when Dragic will be ready to suit up and play, but it’s likely that the guard won’t be rushed back into action.

This article first appeared on FanNation Bucks Zone and was syndicated with permission.

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