When the Milwaukee Bucks got off to a 2-8 start, part of their “keep calm and carry on” talking points was that Khris Middleton would return at some point after surgery on both ankles during the offseason and that he would be required to would provide balance in game making. and shoot.
The Bucks have turned things around — they are the No. 5 seed in the East with an 11-10 record — and now Middleton is set to return next Friday, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton will make his season debut Friday night in Boston, sources told ESPN.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 5, 2024
Middleton has previously been medically cleared and prepared for a return to court. Middleton, a three-time All-Star and gold medalist, has struggled with injuries for a few years and has played a total of 88 games over the past two seasons. Last season, in 55 games, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 assists per game, good for 38.1% from 3.
He’s not the player he was at his peak, but Middleton brings wing depth, a player who can run the pick-and-roll so Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard can work off the ball, and he brings the necessary shot to the table.
Milwaukee could use him, and he returns just in time for the NBA Cup, where the Bucks will host the Magic in a quarterfinal match next Tuesday. If you win that match, Middleton and his teammates will head to Las Vegas for the semifinals.