Player1688 Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers sees forward Khris Middleton’s recovery improving day by day, and barring any unexpected changes to the season-opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he should be able to compete. Player1688 

The Athletic reports that Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both ankles during the off-season and is still in the process of building up his fitness. As far as we know, he was only recently cleared to practice 5-on-5 split-sides during training camp. 

The reason for the delay was due to concerns about the physical condition and risk of re-injury.

With about a week left until the new season’s tip-off, there are questions about whether the 33-year-old will be ready to play. Rivers is confident he will be ready to play, but it may be on a limited basis. 

“I think it’s time for the season to start,” Rivers said. 

“But I would like to try to shake off the rust in a warm-up game first, so I won’t 100% close the door on that because he and our other players feel good.”

The Bucks still have a warm-up match on Thursday, October 17 against the Dallas Mavericks. 

The player himself is optimistic that everything will go well since Monday’s warm-up game, in which they defeated the Chicago Bulls 111-107, saw him listed as an unused reserve. 

“Expecting a successful season and almost playing the full 82 regular season,” Middleton added. 

“I understand that he may miss some games due to an injury, such as a sprained knee, thigh or ankle… He may miss around 70-75 games.”

“But if that’s all I get, then it’s not considered a season that has achieved my goals.”   

Player1688 Over the last two seasons, Middleton has played in just 88 games, with his playing time reduced to 26 minutes per game , while his averages have dropped to 15.1 points , out of a career average of 16.9 .Player1688