Khris Middleton remains questionable to play, says Doc Rivers

Khris Middleton continues to move closer to returning to the Bucks' roster.

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks wingman Khris Middleton will remain sidelined on Monday when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Los Angeles Clippers. This is according to the injury report the team submitted for the game.

The Bucks have submitted their injury report for Monday vs. the Clippers.

Out: Khris Middleton (left ankle sprain)
Doubtful: Chris Livingston (right groin strain)
Questionable: Giannis Antetokounmpo (left Achilles tendinitis)
Probable: MarJon Beauchamp (lower back spasms) https://t.co/pC2kUEi3wW

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) March 3, 2024

Although Middleton went through parts of practice on Monday, Bucks coach Doc Rivers and the team's medical staff remain cautious with the All-Star's return. Middleton has been out since early February, when he suffered a left ankle sprain when he landed on Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper.

Middleton went through a little

Middleton has been limited to only 43 games this season and has been out since February 6, when he sprained his ankle. Although talks have been ripe about a potential return to the floor, Middleton and the team have made it clear they will not rush his recovery.

"He went a little, not a lot," Bucks coach Doc Rivers shared regarding Middleton's participation in practice.

Regarding discerning a potential return to the floor for Middleton, Rivers emphasized that he keeps his hands off the matter and defers to the medical staff.

"I don't get involved. It's funny. Even Khris said it, I don't even ask. I do not get involved in the training room. I just think it's a bad place for a coach to ever be. So, I am never - I don't think I've ever gone, 'You're going to play tomorrow, right?' I don't say a word. They come and tell me. I'm praying that they know WAY more than me about the health part of it, and I'm sure they do," Rivers continued.

Holding the fort

Despite Middleton's absence, the Bucks have held the fort, winning five straight after the All-Star break. However, after hosting the Clippers on Monday, the Bucks will head on a four-game road trip out west, where they'll face the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers, and the Sacramento Kings.

Middleton's return will be crucial for a Bucks squad that hopes to round into form as the NBA Playoffs loom.

"Khris Middleton could be back as soon as next week."@wojespn pic.twitter.com/aKMqJXCKAx

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 25, 2024

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