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Khris Middleton Set to Make Season Debut for Milwaukee Bucks

By Harrison Carter

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Khris Middleton #22 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks high five ah at Amway Center on December 30, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Khris Middleton #22 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks high five ah at Amway Center on December 30, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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It has been 225 days since we have last seen Khris Middleton play a game for the Milwaukee Bucks, but that streak appears to be ending.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Middleton is planning on making his season debut for the Bucks this Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the regular season last year.

Middleton suffered a sprained MCL in Game 2 of the Bucks’ first round matchup against the Chicago Bulls last year, forcing him to miss the rest of the series and playoffs.

His knee returned to full health over the off-season, but he then had wrist surgery in July to repair torn ligaments. Recovering from the wrist injury has caused Middleton to miss all 20 games thus far, but after rehab and substantial practice, it appears Middleton feels ready to go.

It can not be understated the imapct that Middleton has on the Bucks, of course. The Bucks struggled mightily without the offensive load that he normally carries in last year’s series against the Boston Celtics. Milwaukee’s offensive rating that series was a dreadful 101.7. For reference, the Charlotte Hornets have the lowest offensive rating in the league this year with 106.8.

Some of those same struggles have carried over to this year, as the Bucks rank 21st in the league in true shooting percentage with 55.9%. Simply put, Milwaukee needs Middleton in order to have a high quality team offense.

It is currently unclear just how much Middleton will play in his return. He will almost surely be on a minutes restriction, but right now we don’t know much about coach Bud’s plans, including whether or not he will start. It will take some time to get Middleton up to speed, but there is no doubt that the Bucks desperately need his production back.

The Bucks will look to maintain their position towards the top of the Eastern Conference and make a deep playoff push with a healthy Middleton back in action.

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