After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Milwaukee Bucks will aim to prove to the basketball world that they are still one of the best teams in the NBA. The Bucks begin their upcoming campaign on Wednesday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams are among the best in the Eastern Conference, and this should be a great game. However, it appears the Bucks are expected to be shorthanded for the contest. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Bucks wing Khris Middleton is expected to miss the team’s season opener against Philadelphia.
According to Charania, Middleton is recovering from “offseason ankle surgeries.” Furthermore, the 33-year-old missed the entire preseason and “has been limited in practice since Wednesday.”
“Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN on Monday. The three-time All-Star will be out to start the NBA season as he rehabs from offseason ankle surgeries, and the Bucks are cautiously progressing Middleton toward a return, sources told ESPN. Middleton did not appear in a preseason game and still hasn’t been cleared to participate in the team’s 5-on-5 scrimmages at practice. He had participating [sic] in 3-on-3 scrimmages for most of the preseason, but Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters over the weekend that Middleton has been limited in practice since Wednesday.”
It is unknown whether Middleton will miss more time or not. Regardless, his next chance to take the floor is on Friday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
Major Milwaukee Bucks Starter to Miss Season Opener
How the Bucks Will Replace Khris Middleton
It is no secret that Middleton is a crucial part of the Bucks roster. Though he has dealt with injury issues in each of the last two seasons, he is still one of the NBA’s best two-way players. Middleton plays an essential role on both sides of the ball. Additionally, he is a perfect partner next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. In his absence, the Bucks will likely rely more heavily on Taurean Prince.
The Bucks signed Prince away from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. In four preseason games for Milwaukee, Prince averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. While not on the same level as Middleton, Prince provides a lot of the same skills on the court. Prince will play a bench role for the Bucks. However, he is more than capable of being a spot starter when necessary.
Additionally, the Bucks will likely also rely more heavily on Gary Trent Jr. Trent was another offseason addition for Milwaukee this year. His three-point shooting should provide a large boost to Milwaukee’s offense. With Middleton not on the court, he will likely assume an even larger role than normal.
The Last Word On Khris Middleton and the Bucks
Fortunately for Milwaukee, it appears that Middleton is unlikely to miss a lot of time. Given how underwhelming the Bucks performed last year, they will need Middleton on the court as much as possible. Regardless, there is still a lot to be excited about this season for Milwaukee. They still remain one of the best teams on paper and can make legitimate noise in the league this season. The Bucks have had a rough go at it since winning it all in 2021. However, with Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard on the roster, the Bucks will always be serious title contenders in the league.
