The Milwaukee Bucks could be without star swingman Khris Middleton for another extended period. This is after the three-time All-Star suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.
The Bucks were already without Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez entering the game, and Middleton lasted just eight minutes before he was forced to exit due to what has now been diagnosed as a left ankle sprain.
Unsurprisingly, an extremely shorthanded Bucks side fell to the Suns, 114-106.
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Reveals Khris Middleton’s X-Ray Results
It did not take long for the Bucks to rule Middleton out for the remainder of the contest after the injury. Middleton landed on Kevin Durant’s foot as the former attempted a 3-pointer. Middleton immediately looked like he was in considerable pain as he hit the deck.
After the game, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided a critical update on Middleton’s injury status. While the veteran shot-caller was unable to provide a return timetable for the veteran swingman, Rivers did reveal that the x-ray results were negative:
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Khris Middleton had x-rays done on his left ankle and they were negative. https://t.co/epnIUBxp7F
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 7, 2024
This in itself is a massive development for Middleton and the Bucks as there appears to be no structural damage in his ankle. He’s not completely out of the woods just yet, though, with further testing expected in the following days.
Nevertheless, it does seem like Middleton has dodged a bullet here.
Eric Nehm of The Athletic then reported that Middleton was seen exiting the arena in crutches while wearing a walking boot:
While the x-rays were negative, Khris Middleton just walked out of the arena in a walking boot and crutches.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 7, 2024
That obviously isn’t a welcome sight for Bucks fans, but based on Rivers’ initial update, the walking boot seems to be a standard precautionary measure employed by the medical team.
We should get more news on Middleton’s injury in the coming days and we will be sure to pass along any information as they come.
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