Khris Middleton clears COVID protocols, will return to Bucks

Bucks wing Khris Middleton is set to take the floor for Milwaukee when the team faces off against the Lakers on Wednesday, according to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Middleton has been in the NBA’s health and safety protocols since testing positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 at the beginning of the month.

The 6’7″ wing, a two-time All-Star, has not played for the Bucks since an October 30 loss against the Spurs. Middleton rejoined the team for a practice today. Middleton has missed eight contests so far. Across his healthy six games this season, Middleton is averaging 20.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 4.5 APG, with a shooting line of .43/.257/.852.

The 30-year-old swingman recently has numbered among several key players currently sidelined for the reigning champs. Starting shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, starting center Brook Lopez, and reserve point guard George Hill are all currently absent with injuries. The reigning champs are just 6-8 this season, partially as a result of all these unavailable contributors. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday has also missed six games himself in this early going for the 2021-22 season.

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer indicated, following a team practice today, that he would impose a minutes restriction on the club’s starting small forward upon his return.