LAS VEGAS (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton missed practice Monday because of illness, leaving his status for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 final against the Oklahoma City Thunder somewhat unclear. The Bucks and Thunder play for the Cup on Tuesday night.

The Thunder are among the top tier of NBA title contenders, racing out to an early lead in the Western Conference despite dealing with a litany of injuries in the frontcourt. The Bucks started the season wobbling on the edge of true disaster before Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard dragged them back from the abyss by,