Khris Middleton returns for Bucks vs. Celtics clash.© (@mave_sports007 )
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is set to make his long-awaited season debut on Friday, ending a 21-game absence while recovering from offseason surgeries on both ankles. The three-time All-Star is probable for the Bucks’ highly anticipated road matchup against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton’s progress, revealing the forward participated in a full five-on-five practice earlier this week. Rivers acknowledged the mental toll of Middleton’s absence, noting the veteran’s frustration at being sidelined, especially when the team faced adversity. “It’s mentally challenging,” Rivers said. “You see your team playing, and you want to help. Khris knows he can.”
The Bucks had initially hoped Middleton’s recovery would be brief, but his return has taken longer than expected, continuing a troubling trend of limited availability for the 33-year-old. Middleton appeared in just 33 games during the 2022-23 season and 55 games last year due to a string of injuries, including a sprained medial collateral ligament that sidelined him during the Bucks’ 2022 playoff run.
Despite his recent injury history, Middleton remains a crucial contributor when healthy. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during the 2023-24 regular season. In last season’s first-round playoff string against the Indiana Pacers, Middleton stepped up without Giannis Antetokounmpo, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 obliges over six matches.
Middleton’s return provides a significant boost as the Bucks aim to regain momentum following a seven-game winning streak snarled by a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The team will look to integrate his scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership as they face a formidable Celtics lineup.
