Bucks F Khris Middleton exits with left Achilles tightness

Field Level Media|published: Fri 24th November, 23:44 2023

Nov 24, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) defends during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. credits: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton was ruled out of Friday night's win over the Washington Wizards with left Achilles tightness.

Before leaving in the third quarter and heading right to the locker room, Middleton scored seven points on 3-of-8 shooting and added five assists in 13 minutes.

"I think (he has) some tightness in his left Achilles, so just took him out for precautionary measures, and then just evaluate him tomorrow," Bucks coach Adrian Griffin told reporters after the 131-128 victory.

A three-time All-Star, Middleton came in averaging 12.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season. He averages 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 11 seasons, 10 with the Bucks.

Middleton, 32, played in just 33 games (19 starts) last season, averaging just 15.1 points per game, his lowest output since the 2016-17 season. He was plagued by right knee soreness throughout the season. He also played through a left ankle sprain and blisters on both feet.

He reportedly underwent surgery on his knee, a minor arthroscopic procedure, after the Bucks were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs in June.

He signed a three-year, $102 million deal in late June to remain with the club.

—Field Level Media