Khris Middleton Set to Miss Bucks' Season Opener Against 76ers
The Milwaukee Bucks are starting the 2024-25 NBA season without one of their key players, Khris Middleton. The three-time All-Star will reportedly miss the Bucks' opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers, as confirmed by ESPN's Shams Charania. Middleton has been recovering from a challenging offseason, during which he underwent two ankle surgeries—procedures meant to address lingering issues from injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons.
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This news is not entirely unexpected, as Middleton hasn’t participated in preseason games and hasn’t been cleared for full 5-on-5 practice yet. According to Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, the team is taking a cautious approach to Middleton’s recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return for the season opener. As Rivers mentioned, while they are hopeful Middleton will return soon, his absence in the first game isn't cause for major concern given the long season ahead.
Middleton's recent injury history has been a growing concern for the Bucks. He only played 55 regular-season games last year, contributing 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His recurring ankle problems, including a left ankle sprain in February and an injury during the Bucks’ playoff series loss to the Indiana Pacers, have limited him to just 88 regular-season games over the past two seasons. His availability has become a critical issue for Milwaukee, which heavily relies on his shooting and playmaking to complement the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired Damian Lillard.
While Middleton’s absence will be felt on opening night, the Bucks are focused on ensuring he’s fully healthy for the most important stretch of the season—the playoffs. Middleton's ability to stay on the court could be the difference in whether Milwaukee makes a serious championship run.
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