Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton Expected to Return for Friday's Game Against Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks could be getting healthy at just the right time. Per coach Mike Budenholzer, three-time All-Star Khris Middleton practiced Wednesday and is expected to play in Friday's matchup with the Miami Heat.

Mike Budenholzer said he believes Middleton, Portis and Crowder will all be able to play Friday vs. Miami. https://t.co/BIi5gzPqsS
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) February 23, 2023

Middleton has missed 41 of a possible 58 games this season, including the Bucks' final game before the All-Star break, a 112-100 win over the Chicago Bulls on February 16th. He has averaged 21.4 minutes per game across his 17 appearances this season, managing 13.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

The Bucks are 41-17 and second in the Eastern Conference this season despite Middleton's unavailability. It wasn't so long ago he was an All-Star: in 2021-22, Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game with a respectable .577 true shooting percentage. Considering he's 31 years old, there's no guarantee Middleton will rediscover his old form, but if he can, the Bucks will have an excellent chance to win their second NBA title in three seasons.

Following Friday's game against the Heat, the Bucks host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.