Khris Middleton practices fully, Bucks gear up for playoffs
On April 5, Khris Middleton exacerbated his right knee injury, which initially caused him to sit out 18 games from Dec. 17-Jan. 21.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says Khris Middleton practiced fully Thursday as the three-time All-Star works his way back from a sore right knee and prepares for the playoffs.
Middleton has been absent from play since an injury forced him to leave during a triumph against the Chicago Bulls on April 5. He also sat out 18 consecutive games from Dec. 17 to Jan. 21 due to soreness in his right knee.
Middleton’s injury is not connected to the one that prematurely concluded his 2021-22 postseason. A sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee caused him to sit out the last 10 playoff games of the Bucks’ previous season.
Budenholzer stated that guards Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton have been practicing on a restricted basis as they continue to heal from right ankle sprains. Allen was absent from the final four regular-season games of the Bucks, while Connaughton missed the last three.
“Budenholzer emphasized the importance of health, saying, “You aim to achieve the best health possible. For all the players, I believe practice is a crucial step, followed by monitoring how they feel the following day. Understanding how their bodies react is nearly as important. Today was collectively productive. Each player had a good day. We’ll assess their response, their condition, and continue preparing for Sunday.”
The Bucks secured home-court advantage throughout their playoffs after recording the best regular-season record in the NBA. Their first-round series will kick off at home on Sunday, against either the Bulls or the Miami Heat. The latter two teams will compete in a play-in game on Friday in Miami to determine who will face the Bucks.
