The Milwaukee Bucks have ruled out the possibility of having Khris Middleton back on the floor on Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are a squad just under .500, and the game will be for the Emirates NBA Cup Group Stage.
Many anticipate Middleton’s return this week. His return to the floor will be postponed again, which is unfortunate for the Bucks. Head coach Doc Rivers spoke with reporters about his availability for tomorrow following Monday’s practice.
One bright side Rivers said to the media was Middleton played a five-on-five scrimmage in practice.
“We did 5-on-5 scrimmage… he looked great,” Rivers said.
“I doubt it,” the Bucks head coach said about Middleton’s availability for Tuesday.
A reporter asked Rivers about how scheduling could affect Middleton’s return. The Bucks coach said the scheduling doesn’t matter, whether it’s a back-to-back home and away game.
“Literally doesn’t matter. If he was ready tomorrow, he’d play tomorrow. It has no bearing on when he plays.”
Over the summer, Middleton underwent surgeries on both ankles. The 6-foot-7 forward was given the option to undergo treatment for the different injuries he sustained throughout the 2023–24 NBA season. Although ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the All-Star forward would be healthy before the season starts, the three-time All-Star has not stepped foot on the hardwood.
The Bucks have struggled without Middleton on the court and started 2-8 in the season. The good news is that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have picked up the pace and have led the team to an 8-1 record after their first 10 games.
Milwaukee has improved to a 10-9 record, making them the fifth seed in the East.
Khris Middleton gets active in the community while being sidelined
Even though Khris Middleton has been inactive for the Bucks, he’s still made his presence known in Milwaukee. Middleton visited the Engleburg Elementary School gymnasium to give away 300 coats to the students.
“It means a lot to be here this morning giving out coats during the wintertime here in Milwaukee cause it’s super cold,” Middleton said.
Middleton partnered with United Healthcare to give more than just coats to the students. They gave the school a brand-new “Hygiene Locker” filled with necessities for everyday use. Christine Scott, the school nurse, expressed gratitude for the Bucks star’s support of the school and children.
“Warm gloves, hygiene supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash and lotion. This time of the year, lotion is a must, deodorant,” Scott said.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
