© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Doc Rivers reveals Khris Middleton is getting “closer” to a Bucks return
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.
