Report: Bucks vet Khris Middleton (ankles) to miss opener

Field Level Media|published: Mon 21st October, 11:52 2024

NBA: Playoffs-Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Bucks star Khris Middleton is expected to miss Milwaukee's season opener Wednesday against the host Philadelphia 76ers as he continues to rehab from ankle injuries, ESPN reported Monday.

The most Middleton has been cleared to do so far is participate in 3-on-3 scrimmages, but he's been limited in practice since Wednesday, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers told reporters Saturday.

Middleton, a three-time All-Star, underwent arthroscopic surgery on both ankles during the offseason. Middleton sprained the left ankle in a game in February and the right one in the Bucks' first-round playoff defeat against the Indiana Pacers.

Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 2023-24.

Through 12 seasons, Middleton has career averages of 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 739 games (650 starts) with the Detroit Pistons (2012-13) and Bucks.

Detroit drafted Middleton in the second round (39th overall) in 2012. Traded to Milwaukee in July 2013, he helped the Bucks win the NBA championship in 2020-21.

--Field Level Media