On Wednesday, we got the news that the Milwaukee Bucks were optimistic that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton could possibly return to the lineup Saturday against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. While that didn’t come to pass and both missed the loss to the Cavs, we have the next step in the return of both Bucks stars.
Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks have listed Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton as probable for Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. If they end up playing it will be Giannis’ first game since January 11 and Khris’ first game since December 15 and just his eighth game of the season.
Milwaukee Bucks fans have understandably been frustratingly awaiting the return of both Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks really have no reason to rush the pair back. Both are veterans with lots of experience and the NBA is just past the halfway point of the season and hasn’t reached the All-Star break or even the trade deadline yet.
We are all awaiting the return of the Bucks’ remaining two members of their Big 3 that may need to be considered a big four when adding the strong play of Brook Lopez.
Why shouldn’t the Milwaukee Bucks rush Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton back?
Firstly, the risk of re-injury is always higher when bringing a player back before they are ready. The concern with Khris Middleton has been swelling and soreness after workouts, making sure those things are under control before putting him back in real game action. For Giannis Antetokounmpo, mid-season maintenance has been a focus for years and should be expected during the dog days of the NBA season. These 11 days of rest for Giannis could prove beneficial to his longevity in the playoffs, same for Khris Middleton.
Secondly, the Milwaukee Bucks have been able to gain a better view of what their needs are at the trade deadline. The Bucks know what they have in Antetokounmpo and Middleton, putting players around them to gear up for another playoff run is certainly the top priority for general manager Jon Horst right now in addition to finding a new home for Serge Ibaka.
Finally, some other players that don’t get as much playing time have been able to log some more minutes lately, mainly Jordan Nwora, who as of late has played better and could potentially be raising his trade value, benefitting the Bucks in that aspect.
We’ll need to wait until shortly before the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons tip off Monday night before officially declaring them back, but going from optimistic to probable is certainly a step in the right direction, potentially the last step, to Giannis and Khris returning.
Stay tuned for official word on the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton before tip-off.