The Milwaukee Bucks have yet to provide a firm timetable for Khris Middleton’s return from injury. The three-time All-Star sat out Sunday’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bulls as he continues to recover from undergoing surgery on his knee earlier this year.
Middleton missed practice again on Monday, which obviously does not bode well for his chances of suiting up on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Khris Middleton’s Absence from Milwaukee Bucks Practice Was Planned
According to Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin, Middleton sitting out Monday’s practice was nothing more than a scheduled day off (h/t team insider Eric Nehm of The Athletic).
We didn’t get much information other than that as Milwaukee remains mum on Middleton’s status moving forward. All they are indicating is that the 32-year-old is trending in the right direction and that the team is “being smart” in terms of easing him back into action.
I guess we have no other choice but to just take their word for it.
For what it’s worth, Griffin did say that both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard practiced on Monday, so at least Milwaukee supporters will have that to look forward to on Tuesday as the new superstar pairing looks to make their preseason debut against the Grizzlies.
Is There Cause For Concern?
Middleton played just 33 games in what turned out to be an injury-mired 2022-23 campaign. The Bucks will need him to play a bigger role for the team this season, regardless of the fact that Lillard is already on the team. In fact, Middleton’s presence might even be more important this year as defenses gravitate toward Giannis and Dame. So long as he’s healthy, there should be no shortage of opportunities for the 6-foot-7 swingman this season.
The big question, however, is whether or not Middleton will be healthy enough to play a key role for Milwaukee. His offseason activity thus far hasn’t been very promising, but we should all find out soon enough if there is indeed any cause for concern on this front.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
