During an interview with NBA reporter Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton said he’s dealing with the worst ankle injury of his career.
Middleton hurt his left ankle on February 6 against the Phoenix Suns.
“I can’t think of an ankle sprain I’ve had this bad like this that I’ve had in the past,” Middleton said. “After it happened I tried to play, run it off a little bit, see if it was going to loosen up or whatever. Just didn’t. Didn’t feel comfortable. Went into the back, tried to get re-taped, and as soon as I took my shoe off it just blew up. So had to shut it down.”
It’s unknown when Middleton will return to the Bucks’ lineup. The NBA champion is averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season while shooting 48.7% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc and 83.2% from the free-throw line.
“I haven’t had setbacks, just taken a little bit maybe a day or two longer, a week or two longer or whatever, but it’s the position I’m in right now,” Middleton said. “Just haven’t been able to get to that final step to get out there and play. But I’ve been working hard. Been able to get on the court the last couple weeks but just haven’t been able to go 100%.”
The Bucks are 41-22 on the season. They are in second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
“I want to get back out there,” Middleton said. “I need to be playing. I’ve been on a minute restriction most of the year so at this point I just need to be on the court. So, I’m fighting every day that I can.”
The Bucks face the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow (3/8) in Los Angeles. Milwaukee lost to the Golden State Warriors yesterday (3/6).
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