Khris Middleton himself has already declared his intention to suit up on Friday in the Milwaukee Bucks’ final preseason game. They will be hosting the Memphis Grizzlies at the Fiserv Forum in what will be their final tune-up game before the start of the regular season, and it’s good to know that Middleton will finally be able to take the floor for the first time since his offseason knee surgery.
Khris Middleton Set to Make Milwaukee Bucks Preseason Debut
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s practice, Middleton stated that he intends to play against Memphis on Friday:
“Yeah, as of right now, (I) definitely feel like I’ll be out there playing tomorrow,” Middleton said. “I don’t know how long, how many minutes, but I do expect to be playing, which is exciting for me.”
Finally. Middleton has been the missing piece for the Bucks ever since Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard made their respective debuts for the squad. Bucks fans have been itching to see their team’s newly-formed Big 3 for the first time, and it looks like they will get their wish on Friday. That is unless Milwaukee decides to give either Giannis or Lillard (or both?) the night off.
Will Khris Middleton Be Ready for Season-Opener Vs. Sixers?
More importantly, though, fans want to know if Middleton will be ready for the team’s first game of the regular season. The Bucks are set to battle Joel Embiid and a rather dysfunctional Philadelphia 76ers side to kick off their season on October 26.
Middleton did hint at the possibility of potentially sitting out Friday against the Grizzlies but according to the three-time All-Star, even that would not affect his availability against the Sixers:
“(I’ve) been making great strides, a step in the right direction each day,” he said. “So definitely don’t think if something happens (and) I don’t play tomorrow, I think I’ll still be on track to play the next game. Hopefully, just keep continuing that way.”
Khris expects to play tomorrow.@Froedtert & MCW Practice Report. pic.twitter.com/x0GP3CGT77
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 19, 2023
You have to take all this with a grain of salt, though. After all, Middleton has been struggling with his health over the past several months.
The fans are obviously hoping this all changes this coming season. They all know the team needs Middleton to be back at his best for the Bucks to stand a chance to go all the way this year.
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