Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton won’t play against the 76ers due to an ankle injury

September 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Khris Middleton (22) during Media Day at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Source: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks will reportedly face the Philadelphia 76ers in Wednesday’s season opener without the services of Khris Middleton. Shams Charania.

- Advertisement -

Middleton will miss the NBA season as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. The Bucks are cautiously working to bring Khris Middleton back.

Khris Middleton’s playoff series against the Pacers

USATI 23172834 168400517 low resolution 2
May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball while Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) defends during Game 6 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

He played in the playoffs after this injury and had average results 24.7 steering, nine collections and 4.7 he assisted last season against the Indiana Pacers. It must have hurt, but he still managed to get through it. We hope that the surgery has helped his pain and that he will be more fit than he has been in the last two years.

We haven’t seen a hearty version of him in a long time. A hearty Khris Middleton can still be a threat, having once been the second-best player on the team behind Giannis, but now with Dame, I think Khris can only be as good as the third-best player on the team, behind Giannis and Dame.

Khris Middleton’s injury in the 2022 NBA playoffs

November 13, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Khris Middleton (22) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Jevon Carter (5) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory credit: Benny Sieu – USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Khris Middleton (22) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Jevon Carter (5) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory credit: Benny Sieu – USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, Khris Middleton sprained the MCL in his left knee; this injury caused him to miss Games 3 and 4 against the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. He also missed the second round series against the Boston Celtics.

Khris Middleton, Dame Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez didn’t play together enough to take advantage of it in the playoffs. This team needs all the reps it can get heading into the playoffs. Over the past three years, Milwaukee has always had injuries that hurt their championship hopes.

Khris Middleton shows off his shooting skills

Milwaukee Bucks and Khris Middleton
December 9, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports

ESPN ranked Khris Middleton as the 63rd best NBA player this season. Last season it ranked 46th. It dropped 17 positions.

Middleton is one of the most effective midfield scorers in the league, with pure footwork and shot-making skills. 22-7-5 with a 57 TS% in the playoffs since ’18. A very underrated quarterback.

Khris Middleton in the 2021 NBA Finals vs Suns

July 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Devin Booker (1) during Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports
July 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Devin Booker (1) during Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

Middleton had 40– point game in grme2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. He hit the game-winner against the Miami Heat in the first round. He scored a goal in the conference final 38 points against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3.

That said, it goes without saying that Middleton’s absence will clearly hurt the Bucks in Game 1 against the 76ers, but his health and long-term contribution are clearly a priority. Let’s hope his rehab goes as planned and he can return to support the Bucks.

USATI 23025188 168400517 low resolution
April 14, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) shoots the ball to Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) in the second half at the KIA Center. Must-Have Credits: Mike Watters – USA TODAY Sports

For more great Wisconsin sports content

Follow me on Twitter @leviomeke and follow us @wisconsinsportsheroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with news from Wisconsin sports, click here.

athlete book 1 1
Book your MSM 2023 CTA athlete look

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

Hot Topics

vertshock.com

Related Articles