Middleton is still working back from ankle surgeries in the offseason
After missing the entire preseason rehabbing from two ankle surgeries in the offseason, Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton will probably sit for the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, per Shams Charania of ESPN (boy is that weird to type):
Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday’s season opener vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Middleton is out to start the NBA season as he rehabs from offseason ankle surgeries. Bucks are cautiously progressing Middleton toward a return. pic.twitter.com/s5l9BU9pj5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
According to Shams, the Bucks are being cautious as they slowly work Middleton back into playing this season. It was initially confirmed at Media Day that Middleton wouldn’t be participating in five-on-five activities, but would still be involved during training camp with the team.
Middleton hurt his left ankle in February against the Phoenix Suns, when Kevin Durant got in Middleton’s landing zone, causing him to miss the first sixteen games of the season. Khash would have a procedure done on that ankle following the Bucks’ round one defeat against the Indiana Pacers in May. Because of that injury, Middleton was limited to just 55 games last year, averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 assists per contest. His right ankle was hurt during that series during Game 2, but Middleton fought through it and put up 24.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG through the six games. The three-time All-Star would have the other surgery done on that ankle in June.
Over the last two seasons, Middleton has only appeared in 88 games (53.7% of possible regular season games) due to ankle injuries and the surgery he had on his right knee before last season. We hope Khris is ramping up soon and will be back in action early in the season for the Bucks. We will keep you updated as we know more about how long Middleton’s debut this season could take.