Bucks Zone

Khris Middleton continues to rehab injured knee in an effort to return for the NBA Playoffs

Khris Middleton is gearing up for a return as the NBA Playoffs loom on the horizon.

Matthew Dugandzic

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Even though the Milwaukee Bucks closed out the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and the entire NBA, the finish left a lot to be desired as they dealt with injuries to several key players, including All-Star wingman Khris Middleton, who aggravated a right knee injury in their game against the Chicago Bulls last April 5.

With Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round series against a yet-to-be-determined opponent tipping off on Sunday, Middleton is taking steps forward to ensure he’s available for the Bucks when the NBA Playoffs start.

Limited in practice

The Bucks held practice on Tuesday, but coach Mike Budenholzer revealed that Middleton was only a limited participant. He added that Khris did some individual work after practice with the team’s assistant coaches and is hopeful the veteran two-guard can fully participate in the team’s practice on Thursday.

“He’ll do some individual work, get some weight room work, and he’ll do more individual work, and then we’re anticipating and planning for him to practice on Thursday,” Budenholzer said.

Though Middleton’s injury isn’t serious, it remains a concern for the team, considering this was the same issue that forced him to the sidelines for a total of 18 games this season. Before this recent injury, the 11-year-pro had been playing well, averaging 19.9 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds since he returned to playing his usual load minutes back on March 7.

Other Bucks are still dealing with injuries

Budenholzer also gave an update regarding the other injured Bucks, saying that Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton also did not participate fully in Tuesday’s practice as they continue to make their way back from sprained ankles. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez—who all missed games towards the end of the regular season—took part in all elements of the practice session.

Published
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.