The Milwaukee Bucks are currently leading the Miami Heat at halftime 65-51. They have accomplished such a large lead despite the fact that they are playing without two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was suddenly ruled out with a knee injury. So far, Damian Lillard has shouldered the bulk of the scoring load, racking up 25 points in the first half.
Of course, the Bucks are also playing without three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, who had surgery on both of his ankles this offseason. His absence was pointed to as a big reason why Milwaukee started the season 1-6, though the team has started to play better as of late and currently sit at 8-9.
As the Bucks continue to roll, they just got great news on the timetable for Middleton’s return.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Khris Middleton Will Return After Thanksgiving
Prior to the Bucks’ matchup with the Heat, ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, reported that Middleton is expected back shortly after Thanksgiving.
“I’m told for the first time in this rehab process from bilateral ankle surgeries, Khris Middleton completed full five-on-five scrimmages on Monday with the Bucks in Miami,” Charania said. “The team is hopeful that he is going to be able to make his season debut at some point after Thanksgiving. From what I’m told, he has been already cleared medically to play, but for him it’s about comfort. [He intends to return] when he’s fully right and feels that he’s going to be able to make an impact, like we know Khris Middleton can, when he is fully healthy.”
Middleton, the team’s all-time leader in three pointers made, was initially expected to be ready for the start of the season. However, it took him longer than expected to be medically cleared to play.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Are Excited to See Khris Middleton Back
Prior to getting hurt in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Middleton made three All-Star teams in four years and averaged over 20 points per game three years in a row.
Since getting hurt, though, Middleton has played in just 88 games in two seasons and has averaged 15.1 points per game.
However, in the Bucks’ first round series loss to the Indiana Pacers last season, Giannis could not play due to a calf injury and Lillard was severely limited with an Achilles issue. Middleton stepped up and averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
This is the version of Middleton that fans are hoping that they get back, as one can tell by their reactions to the news:
Back after thanksgiving!!! We’re so back! https://t.co/wD6pyKGqdo pic.twitter.com/CIo7xiLsyU
— ARNE SLOT 🏴☠️ (@KINGBLAKE1) November 26, 2024
ITS HAPPENING https://t.co/8wEQZ3jhAj
— Scott Khail (@scottkhail) November 26, 2024
https://t.co/qAnubKqliz pic.twitter.com/8kPSYHf6Lq
— Lonewolf 🐺 (@iaamBamba) November 26, 2024
I’m saying it, we’re back https://t.co/4TBNFczW2L
— Drew (@wesmatthewsfan) November 26, 2024
As incredible as it may sound, the Big Three of Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton have only played six games together since Doc Rivers took over as head coach.
It will be very interesting to see what his offense looks like with all of his stars healthy.
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