Bucks Zone

Khris Middleton set for return after missing 16 straight games

The last time that Khris played was against Phoenix on February 6th.

Matthew Dugandzic

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After missing 16 straight games, Khris Middleton will finally return to action when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the visiting Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.

Per a report by Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Middleton confirmed that he is set to play his first game since last month.

“Hopefully, nothing happens, knock on wood. But I expect to be playing tomorrow,” Middleton told reporters after their practice on Saturday.

Out for more than a month

Interestingly, Middleton’s last game was also against the Suns. He has not played since February 6th after he sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Milwaukee’s 106-114 loss in Phoenix. The Bucks went 10-6 in the 16 games Khris was sidelined.

The 16-game absence has proven to be costly as Khris missed out on the chance to receive a cash bonus worth $1.5 million. He needed to play 62 games this season to become eligible to receive the hefty bonus.

A much-needed return

Khris has already played 43 games this season with averages of 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 0.9 steals a game. The former All-Star underwent a knee procedure in the offseason and has been relatively healthy this season before going down with the ankle injury.

Khris’ return is a welcome development for a Bucks team trying to improve its stock in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a 43-24 record.

With Khris’ expected return, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will have a much-needed reinforcement when they go up against Phoenix’s prolific trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.