Khris Middleton update gives Bucks fans something to be thankful for

The Milwaukee Bucks received an update today regarding former All-Star Khris Middleton, and his rehab gives Bucks fans something to be thankful for over the coming days.

ESPN's Shams Charania spoke on NBA Today about Middleton and the critical step that has been taken for him to make his season debut. The three-time All-Star has been missing so far this season following surgery on both ankles, but Charania revealed that Middleton has completed full 5-on-5 scrimmages on Monday and should be available for return after Thanksgiving.

He has been cleared medically to play, but Middleton and the Bucks want to give the wing as much time to get back to feeling comfortable on the court instead of rushing him back.

Khris Middleton's imminent return is another boost for the soaring Bucks

It is positive for the Bucks that they have found their footing again and are back up to sixth in the Eastern Conference. They are currently on a four game win streak; this has allowed them to not feel the need to rush Middleton back and slowly implement him back into the rotation. There was fear early on that his return may have been longer than everyone had hoped, but missing the first 20 or so games will give him plenty of time to slot back in and give Doc Rivers to work rotations out again.

Andre Jackson Jr. has slotted into the starting lineup nicely, and Taurean Prince has really stepped up on the wing, putting the Bucks in a good place to not feel the need to start Middleton immediately. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both firing, which takes the pressure off of Middleton, as there isn't a desperate need or narrative that he needs to come in and fix problems. We all know the level he can play at; it may just take patience before we see the best of him this season.

He has been plagued with injuries over the past two seasons, playing 33 games (starting 19) in the 2022-23 season and then 55 games in the 2023-24 season. It is more than likely he won't play in back-to-back games or at least until the latter stages of the season. Giannis, of course, missed last season's first-round playoff exit, and Lillard missed games, too, but that allowed Middleton to show the best of himself. He averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists on shooting splits of .482/.355/.900.

Looking ahead, Bucks fans may not have many more games without Middleton being involved, with them heading to face the Miami Heat on Tuesday night in the NBA Cup and then not having a game until Saturday evening against the Washington Wizards. That could be the first glimpse we get to see of Middleton and could depend on the game state. If not, then Tuesday, December 4 is when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Detroit Pistons, and it would be anticipated that would be the target.

It is nothing but positive news for the Bucks as they head to Florida to take on the Heat. Hopefully they can keep this good run going and Middleton can bring even more firepower to a team that is in full flow.

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