The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a slow start to the 2024-25 season. They currently sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 1-3. In the second season of the star pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks are hoping to get on the right track sooner rather than later. Recently, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers gave a Khris Middleton injury update even without directly answering the question: When will Khris Middleton return?
Doc Rivers Hints At Return From Injury For Milwaukee Bucks Star
Khris Middleton Injury Update
Middleton’s injury status has been somewhat unclear. Middleton hurt both of his ankles last season and took the offseason to get surgery on them both. In early October, Rivers was optimistic about Middleton’s chances of playing at least one preseason game. A few days later, it was reported that the Bucks forward was playing three-on-three and was hoping to be ready for the end of the preseason, but that never happened.
Middleton’s injury timetable was pushed back again when he wasn’t ready for the Bucks season opener against the Sixers. The Bucks have treated Middleton as day-to-day, but it seems like he still hasn’t done any five-on-five workouts.
Khris Middleton… Jesus Christ.
Via: @NBA_University pic.twitter.com/2J6LjonQMQ
— Follow HeavenlyBuckets (@heavenlybuckets) October 10, 2024
Middleton has struggled with injuries over the last couple of seasons, playing in 55 games last season and only 33 games the year before. The Bucks desperately need Middleton’s offensive playmaking and defensive versatility if they are going to compete with the best of the Eastern Conference.
Doc Rivers Provides Optimistic Middleton Injury Update
On Wednesday, the Bucks had their first full practice since the start of the season. After the practice, Rivers spoke with the media and expressed optimism about Middleton’s return.
“He did a lot today…so he’s getting close.”
That update should be music to the ears for Milwaukee fans. Rivers still didn’t provide a timeline for Middleton’s return, but any positive news should have the Bucks in good spirits. Middleton remains out for the Bucks’ next game against the Grizzlies, but the Bucks hope that he won’t miss many more before joining the team.
Adrian Griffin with the Bucks: 30-13
Doc Rivers with the Bucks: 18-21 pic.twitter.com/eNPih6UFld
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 28, 2024
The Bucks may need to utilize their G League team, the Wisconsin Herd, to get Middleton some five-on-five runs. This will be the last step before Middleton is completely ready to join the team and hopefully help the Bucks turn their season around.
Bucks Need Help
The Bucks are in desperate need of some help. After beating the hobbled Sixers on their opening night, the Bucks have now lost three games in a row. Two of those losses came against weaker Eastern Conference teams like the Nets and Bulls.
The Bucks’ two stars, Antetokounmpo and Lillard, haven’t been the issue for Milwaukee, it is their supporting cast. NBA champions and Bucks fan favorites Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez have been tied for the third-highest scorers on the team this season, but it hasn’t been enough.
Lopez currently is scoring at the lowest average of his career and is only shooting 36.4% from the field and an awful 23.8% from three. Portis is also averaging his lowest scoring total since joining the Bucks. Although it is still early, and the Bucks have plenty of time to turn things around, one thing is clear: the most recent Khris Middleton injury update is bringing some much-needed hope to Milwaukee.
