Just when it seemed like he was getting into a groove, Khris Middleton exited early in the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent win over the Chicago Bulls due to knee soreness.
Middleton has dealt with this knee soreness all season long and has missed time because of it. Bucks fans collectively held their breath awaiting news on Middleton’s current status, which has now been revealed. Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), Middleton had an MRI, which came back clean. The veteran is expected to rehab over the next week, and the hope is that he is ready to go for the rapidly approaching 2023 NBA Playoffs.
NBA insider delivers a positive update on Bucks’ Khris Middleton
First and foremost, the good news is that everything on the MRI came back clean. Some added good news is that Middleton will now have time to rehab before the postseason, as he is likely not going to play in either of Milwaukee’s final two regular season games. With the one seed locked up, it would be foolish to send him out there with this reaggravated soreness. The postseason will officially start on April 15.
Health remains one of Milwaukee’s biggest x-factors with the postseason on the horizon. As the team learned last year, trying to win a title without Middleton is incredibly challenging. The Bucks need him, so hopefully, he can get back up to speed over the next week or so. It is unclear whether or not Middleton will undoubtedly be ready for the playoffs or if this could carry over into them. If he has to miss a game or two, it could make things more challenging, but the Bucks need him to be at full strength or at least close to it.
Middleton’s status moving forward will be under a microscope as Bucks fans hope to get him and everyone else back on the floor healthy for a crucial playoff run on the horizon.
The Bucks will take on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight before finishing the regular season against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis and Khris Middleton updates moving forward.