Bucks' Khris Middleton: Held in check in Game 6 defeat
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Middleton recorded 14 points (6-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and two steals over 38 minutes in Thursday's 120-98 loss to Indiana in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Middleton led Milwaukee seemingly on a nightly basis over the course of the first-round series against Indiana, but he was held in check in the series-ending contest Thursday while failing to record 15 points for the only time in the series. Middleton, who dealt with some foul trouble that seemed to impact his performance and aggressiveness in the first half, put together a strong opening-round series, scoring 20 or more points in four of the six contests.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Officially cleared to play
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Middleton (ankle) is available for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers.
Middleton was probable for Thursday's matchup and has officially been cleared to suit up again. He's had a significant role in recent games, averaging 32.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 40.3 minutes per game over his last three outings. However, he'll have additional help in Game 6 since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to return.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Considered probable
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Middleton (ankle) is probable for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers.
Middleton sprained his right ankle in Game 2 but continues to play through the pain and will likely do so again Thursday. Over the last three matchups, Middleton has carried the Bucks, averaging 32.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 40.3 minutes per game. With Damian Lillard (calf) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) both doubtful, Middleton should be in store for a hefty workload during Game 6.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Good to go Tuesday
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Middleton (ankle) is available for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pacers, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
Middleton has been upgraded from probable to available Tuesday despite a right ankle sprain. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles) out, Middleton will likely continue to be the focal point of Milwaukee's offense.
Middleton is probable for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pacers due to a right ankle sprain.
Middleton sprained his right ankle in Game 2 but will likely continue to play through the pain. He totaled 67 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists over the last two matchups -- both losses -- and should continue to lead the Bucks' offense in Game 5, as Damian Lillard (Achilles) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) are listed as doubtful for Tuesday.
Bucks' Khris Middleton: Balanced outing in Game 4 loss
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Middleton finished with 25 points (9-22 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists and one steal over 40 minutes in Sunday's 126-113 loss to the Pacers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Middleton once again tried to do all he could to help lead the shorthanded Bucks past the Pacers in Game 4, leading all players in Sunday's contest in rebounds while handing out a handful of assists and ending as one of three players with 20 or more points in a losing effort. He briefly exited the game due to an apparent leg injury but returned to the court shortly after, so it seems unlikely that his leg will be a concern moving forward. Assuming he's healthy, expect Middleton to continue to try and lead the Bucks in a win-or-go-home Game 5 in Milwaukee, especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles) are unable to return for the elimination game.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Officially available for Game 4
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Middleton (ankle) is available for Sunday's Game 4 against the Pacers.
Middleton was probable ahead of Sunday's matchup and will officially be available once again. The 32-year-old had a dominant effort during Friday's overtime loss, tallying 42 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes.
Middleton is probable for Sunday's Game 4 against the Pacers due to a right ankle sprain.
Middleton is coming off a 42-point effort in the Game 3 loss Friday, and the veteran forward has embraced a more prominent role on offense with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined. Middleton is averaging 26.7 points per game in the series while logging at least 35 minutes in each game, and the probable tag suggests he shouldn't have a problem handling his regular workload Sunday.
Bucks' Khris Middleton: Shines with 40-point double-double
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Middleton recorded 42 points (16-29 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds and five assists over 41 minutes in Friday's 121-118 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Middleton did all he could to help lead Milwaukee to an overtime victory, including hitting the game-tying shot at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime and also tying the game late in overtime, but his 40-point double-double was spoiled in a losing effort. Middleton led all players in Friday's contest in scoring while ending as one of two Bucks with 10 or more rebounds to go along with a handful of assists in a well-rounded outing. If Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) remains out for Game 4, look for Middleton to continue to provide a lift to Milwaukee offensively.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Good to go Friday
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Middleton (ankle) will play in Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
Middleton has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite suffering a right ankle sprain in Game 2. There is no indication that the 32-year-old forward will be on a minutes restriction. Middleton is averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35.5 minutes across the first two games of the series against Indiana.
Middleton (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against Indiana.
Middleton suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday's Game 2 but was still able to play 36 minutes in the defeat. However, he didn't practice Thursday, and his status for Friday's game is up in the air. He'll presumably be monitored by the Bucks' medical staff in the hours leading up to tipoff before the team reveals his status.
Middleton didn't participate in Thursday's practice session due to a right ankle sprain, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
Middleton briefly exited Tuesday's Game 2 against the Pacers due to his ankle injury, and the issue is still bothering him a few days later. Coach Doc Rivers said there is "a little" concern regarding Middleton's availability for Friday's Game 3. The Bucks will likely continue to monitor the 32-year-old in the hours leading up to tipoff, but his absence would be particularly significant if Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) remains out.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Briefly exits Tuesday
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Middleton left Tuesday's game versus the Pacers with 6:21 remaining in the first quarter but had his ankle re-taped in the locker room and has returned to Milwaukee's bench, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports.
Middleton came up limping after making contact with Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, causing him to briefly exit Tuesday's contest. However, it appears Middleton forward has avoided a serious injury and should be available for the remainder of Game 2.
Middleton had 23 points (9-14 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and one block across 35 minutes during Sunday's 109-94 win over the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Middleton turned back the clock in the win, shouldering the bulk of the scoring during the second half. After Damian Lillard took over in the first half, it was Middleton who made several clutch shots to secure the victory. Milwaukee will need him to maintain his aggression as they look to negate the loss of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf).
