Needed rest near for battered players

While the Bucks are disappointed about failing to make the Eastern Conference playoffs, there are several players who could definitely use the time off.

Many of them have been plagued by chronic injuries, including starting center Drew Gooden, who has been bothered virtually all season with back spasms.

Starting small forward Carlos Delfino has also had an assortment of injuries, the most recent being a nagging groin pull. The injury forced Delfino to sit out the Bucks' 90-85 setback to the 76ers on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

Two other key Bucks -- Luc Mbah a Moute and Monta Ellis -- have had injury woes. Mbah a Moute, whom the Bucks signed re-signed to a four-year, $18 million contract prior to the season, has been operating on virtually one leg all season, battling pain in his right knee.

As for Ellis, whom the Bucks acquired in a trade with the Warriors last month, he has been dealing with an injured right shooting hand.

All of those aforementioned players, and others, will now have months to recuperate after the Bucks play their final game Thursday night against the Celtics in Boston.

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