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Khris Middleton Cleared to Play in Bucks’ Back-to-Back Against Trail Blazers

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Khris Middleton, the Milwaukee Bucks‘ veteran forward, has been upgraded to available for Tuesday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. This marks his first back-to-back appearance this season after scoring a season-high 22 points off the bench in Monday’s 125-110 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Middleton, 33, has been carefully managed by the Bucks this season following offseason ankle surgeries. The team has held him out of back-to-back games to preserve his health. However, after a strong performance Monday, Middleton is set to contribute again as the Bucks aim to solidify their No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

“He’s been working hard to get back to full strength,” said a Bucks spokesperson. “We’re confident in his ability to help the team, even in limited minutes.”

This season, Middleton has averaged 12.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in just 20 games, with seven starts. His role as a sixth man has been a departure from his All-Star past, but his efficiency remains notable, shooting 48.9% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.

The Bucks (26-18) are riding a wave of momentum, winning eight of their last 10 games. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge against the Jazz, each scoring 35 points. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (17-29) are embracing a rebuilding phase, currently holding the seventh-best lottery odds for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Portland’s center Deandre Ayton has also been upgraded to available for Tuesday’s game, but the team’s focus remains on developing young talent rather than chasing wins. “We’re looking at the bigger picture,” said a Trail Blazers insider. “Every loss brings us closer to a top draft pick.”

For Middleton, Tuesday’s game represents another step in his recovery and an opportunity to prove his value as the Bucks push for playoff positioning. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the veteran forward performs in his first back-to-back of the season.