The Bucks have been rolling along lately, winning nine of their last 11 despite Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta. They’ll now add longtime starter Khris Middleton to the mix.
Middleton will make his season debut at Boston on Friday, ESPN’s Bobby Marks tweets. Middleton was medically cleared to return to action on Nov. 20 after undergoing surgery on both ankles during the offseason. At that time, Middleton didn’t feel quite ready to suit up and has since continued the rehab process, working on improving his conditioning and increasing his comfort level on his surgically repaired ankles.
Middleton, a three-time All-Star, has dealt with a myriad of health issues in recent seasons. He only appeared in 33 games two seasons ago and 55 regular season contests last season.
In those last two seasons, Middleton has averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 0.8 steals per game — all far cries from his numbers during his final All-Star season, 2021/22. He registered averages of 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals per night that season, with .443/.373/.890 shooting splits.
Middleton holds a $34MM player option on his contract for next season and it’s hard to see him passing that up unless he shows he can recapture that All-Star form. The Bucks probably don’t need him to perform at that level but he’ll boost their depth at the wing position and will take some of the scoring burden off Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
In his absence, Taurean Prince has started at small forward and provided a steady three-point threat. Prince is averaging 9.0 points on 6.3 shot attempts per game, knocking down 55.6% of his long-range attempts.
It’ll be interesting to see what Doc Rivers does in terms of his lineup. Middleton came off the bench 14 times two seasons ago but has generally been a fixture in the starting five since he was acquired from Detroit in 2013.
F I N A L L Y
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
I’m taking the over-under on another injury. The number is 10.5. I’m taking the under.
You are referring to minutes played I’m guessing..
Yeah, under. Does it count if he slips getting off the plane?
Bucks better be right on this. Can’t afford for him to be in and out. Bucks healthy are still a contender imo.
Seems he’s the reason it’s taken this long. They cleared him 2 weeks ago. If he’s not ready now, I’m not sure he ever will be again.
Now move Prince to start at SG.
Let Kris rest if he needs it. Reminds me of 76er fans letting Joel, Ben, Dario, Noel and others sit and rest forever while not letting Fultz heal for anytime at all. Off with his head smh. Chill out everyone