Khris Middleton’s Rehabilitation Journey: An Expected Absence from Milwaukee Bucks’ Season Kickoff

Khris Middleton, the celebrated star of the Milwaukee Bucks, will likely be absent from Wednesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, according to insider sources. The three-time All-Star is currently in the recovery phase from his recent ankle surgeries during the off-season, and the Bucks are progressively moving him towards recovery, said reliable informants.

Middleton has yet to make an appearance in a preseason game and he is still awaiting clearance to join the team’s 5-on-5 practice scrimmages. Although he engaged in 3-on-3 scrimmages for most of the preseason, his participation has been limited since the previous Wednesday, as confirmed by Bucks’ Coach Doc Rivers.

Taurean Prince’s Role Amid Middleton’s Absence

Throughout Middleton’s absence in the preseason, Taurean Prince has stepped in to fill the starting lineup. Middleton suffered a left ankle sprain during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 6th, when he landed on Kevin Durant’s foot after a jump shot.

Following this incident, Middleton was benched for the next 16 games due to the injury, which he described as the most severe ankle sprain he has ever experienced. Middleton, who scored an average of 15.1 points, 4.7 points, and 5.3 assists during the regular season, underwent surgery soon after the Bucks’ season concluded in May.

Middleton’s Right Ankle Injury

During the Bucks’ first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 2, Middleton sustained a right ankle injury. Despite the injury, Middleton averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, aiding the Bucks in the series even without the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injury. Middleton underwent surgery for this in June.

Middleton, now aged 34, has only participated in 88 regular-season games over the last two seasons, due to a series of ongoing injuries. In April 2022, he sprained his knee during the Bucks’ first-round playoff series, followed by wrist surgery in the 2022 offseason. Then in the summer of 2023, he underwent right knee surgery and was put under a strict minutes restriction for most of the initial half of the season.