Khris Middleton Ruled Out as Bucks Face Heat Amid Injury Struggles

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Just over an hour before Thursday night’s tip-off against the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has been ruled out as he continues to recover from offseason bilateral ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s nine-time All-Star power forward, will be available for the game.

The decision to sideline Middleton, a 6-foot-7 small forward, comes as no surprise given the Bucks’ cautious approach to his recovery this season. Middleton, 33, has been limited to just 18 games, averaging 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency remains solid at .480/.377/.833 splits, but his defensive performance has declined as he battles age and injuries.

According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Middleton was warming up on the Fiserv Forum court before being ruled out. The Bucks have increasingly relied on Taurean Prince, a 30-year-old 3-and-D wing, to fill Middleton’s role. Prince, originally signed as Middleton’s backup, has emerged as a more reliable defender and consistent shooter, aligning with head coach Doc Rivers‘ emphasis on wing defense.

In other injury news, Bucks reserve shooting guard AJ Green is sidelined with a left quadriceps strain. For the Heat, six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler is serving the first game of a two-game suspension for reportedly being late to a team flight.

Middleton’s absence continues to challenge the Bucks, who hold a 24-17 record this season. His return to full health remains critical for Milwaukee’s playoff aspirations as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference.