Doc Rivers reveals Khris Middleton is getting “closer” to a Bucks return

Khash’s condition continues to improve with soon return to play guaranteed by Doc.

Matthew Dugandzic | Feb 26, 2024

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Milwaukee Bucks

It's been a while since Khris Middleton found himself on the court for the Milwaukee Bucks. The star swingman, who sustained a sprained ankle last Feb. 6 against the Phoenix Suns, has missed the team's last seven games and is still in the team's recovery chamber even before the All-Star break.

As the wait continues, it appears that Khris is trending upward and could be back in action sooner rather than later, as announced by coach Doc Rivers.

Approaching a needed Bucks return

In pregame of the Bucks' Sunday showcase against the Philadelphia 76ers, Rivers declared that Middleton's condition and activity is improving and that the Bucks star is getting "closer" in his return.

"[He's] getting closer," Rivers said before the Bucks' eventual 119-98 dub over the Sixers. "I don't know if I'm going to say close enough that we can think next game (against Charlotte on Tuesday), but he's getting a lot closer. He's feeling a lot better."

Khris can take his time, but a sooner full return to play would be better. The Bucks have gone 4-3 in the last seven games without Middleton. While the early portion of this stretch has shown inconsistencies for them, they have maintained a competitive fight and even imposed a much-improved defense under Doc, especially in their past two wins against both the 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Khris will be needed

On their end, both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian are maintaining their steady offensive punch for Milwaukee to fill the three-level scoring absence of Middleton.

Based on what they are performing thus far, Khris can truly take his time to heal and recover. But as it is, it would be much better if he comes back earlier in full power with the playoffs getting nearer and with 24 games left to their regular season.

Middleton, 32, is averaging 14.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.3 boards, and is shooting 48.7 percent from the field for 43 games this 2023/24.

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Published Feb 26, 2024

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.