Khris Middleton reveals he could potentially play on this road trip

"I think I’ve been close for about a week. Just haven’t been able to get to that final step to get out there and play."

Jonas Panerio | Mar 8, 2024

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Milwaukee Bucks

Veteran wingman Khris Middleton recently revealed that he could potentially suit up and return to the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup at some point on this four-game road trip. The 12-year vet has been on the sidelines for the last 12 games after suffering a sprained left ankle back on February 6 when he landed on the foot of Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant while attempting a jumper.

Nearly back to 100%

The last few seasons have been rough on Middleton. He played in only 33 games last season due to various injuries involving his knee and wrist. This season, he has appeared in only 43 games, averaging 14.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per night.

Despite his reduced production, Khris remains a key part of the Bucks’ attack on both ends of the floor. And though Milwaukee has been rolling lately, winning six of seven games, they can’t wait to get their two-way wingman back.

“Yeah, possibly, I think I’ve been close for about a week,” Middleton said when asked if he could play on this road trip.

“Just haven’t been able to get to that final step to get out there and play, but I’ve been working hard and been able to get on the court the last couple of weeks. Just haven’t been able to go 100 percent.”

"There is no bigger wild card in the East than how Khris Middleton comes back from that ankle injury."@ZachLowe_NBA on how dangerous the Bucks can be in the East. pic.twitter.com/wnF3CKOgWl
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 5, 2024

The final steps

Middleton revealed that he and the Bucks’ medical staff are ensuring his ankle is at full strength before he returns to NBA action, reporting there was immediate massive swelling when he sprained his ankle in early February. Since then, the swelling has decreased, but not to the level where he can play without pain or restrictions.

“Just trying to get the swelling out. Had a lot of swelling initially when I twisted, or rolled, the ankle. A lot of it has gone out. Just waiting on this last little bit to go, so I can move freely without pain or anything like that,” Middleton added.

Given what Khris has gone through over the last few years, he says he isn’t fazed by the recovery time. In fact, he went on to say that he’s better equipped to handle such setbacks at this point of his career.

“I think I’m better equipped now. I hate to say it, but it’s part of the game. It’s part of sports. You get injured. And you just have to do your work until you can get back. I’m not going to rush it and put myself in jeopardy of making anything worse or not helping my team out being a cone out there and a liability, so I’m going to work as hard as I can to get back as soon as I can.”