Khris Middleton Injury: Bucks' Big 3 Back As Star Wing Returns vs. Lakers

All-star small forward Khris Middleton is reportedly expected to make his return to the Bucks from early- July wrist surgery on Friday against the Lakers.

The 31-year-old missed Milwaukee's final 10 playoff games last season with an MCL sprain but likely also played with damaged ligaments in his wrist for the final third of the regular season. 

Middleton should be well clear of both injuries and will debut on Friday with an SIC score of 88 that can rise as he re-enters game shape.

The Pro Basketball Docs projected a four-month recovery timeline that would have brought the isolation maven back in early November. 

The Bucks' 15-5 start and strong play from Grayson Allen and Bobby Portis, among others, allowed Middleton to thoroughly rehab and grieve the death of his father, as described by Jim Owczarski of the journal sentinel. 

Bucks' Big 3 Record, NBA Finals Odds

Since Milwaukee traded for all-defensive guard Jrue Holiday in November 2020, the team is 86-34 in all games (71.67%) when Middleton, Holiday, and Giannis Antetokounmpo all play together, although the Bucks' current 82-game pace (75%) is two games better. 

In the 134 games regular season games since the trade, Middleton has averaged 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals on 46% shooting and 39.2% from three. 

The Bucks are second in the East behind the Celtics, who have only improved since knocking the Bucks out in the second round and are a league-best 18-4 with a record-setting offense. 

Milwaukee has the second-best odds to win the NBA Finals on FanDuel Sportsbook at +480, ahead of the Suns (+700) and Warriors (+750) and behind the Celtics (+380).