Bucks' Jericho Sims undergoes thumb surgery; playoff return possible

Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims underwent surgery on Monday to fix a torn ligament in his right thumb. The team announced he will miss about four weeks but is optimistic he will return for the playoffs. Sims hurt his thumb during a game against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. He played through the pain in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder the next day, but surgery was already being considered by the coaching staff. Since joining the Bucks at the trade deadline, Sims played in 14 games. He became a key backup player recently, especially with teammate Bobby Portis suspended for violating league rules. Currently, Sims is averaging 2.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15 minutes of play per game. The surgery took place in New York just before the Bucks started their longest road trip of the season. The team will play five games over ten days, starting with a match against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.