Why Isn’t Khris Middleton Playing Tonight? Bucks Injury Report Announced by Doc Rivers Ahead of NBA Cup Final

the Milwaukee Bucks They just got a big shot in the hunt for their first NBA Cup title! Khris Middleton, who has been Milwaukee's go-to guy in the past, has yet to find his groove this season. Sure, he's an experienced vet, but even the best of them spend their nights out, and lately, Middleton has been in a bit of a slump. But the problem is not his appearance.

Take the semi-final match against FalconsFor example. Middleton came off the bench and played 22 minutes but barely made any impact. He scored six points on 2-of-7 shooting and added three rebounds, four assists, one steal and a block. Not exactly the kind of performance that turns heads, is it?

The real hit is that the veteran has ruled outside For the NBA Cup Final. He will not play due to illness, focus on illness. Not an injury this time, so that's the silver lining here. However, the Bucks are not taking any chances with him. After undergoing two ankle surgeries in the offseason, Middleton missed the first month of the season, and Milwaukee is clearly cautious about his return.

To be honest, his comeback has been very disappointing so far. In the four games he played, Middleton's statistics were a far cry from what Bucks fans were accustomed to – 7 points, 3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals in just over 21 minutes per game. He's still trying to find his legs, and the team clearly doesn't want to pressure him too much. Given his injury history, can you really blame them?

The good news for Milwaukee is that their stars are starting to pick up the slack.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard They were absolute monsters, carrying the team through that stretch. The Bucks have gone 12-3 in their last 15 games, quickly turning the tide after a slow start, climbing into the Eastern Conference standings.

But the chemistry between Middleton and Giannis is starting to look good.

Khris Middleton was the playmaker Doc Rivers needed

The Milwaukee Bucks' lack of playmakers has been a glaring issue, which is strange for a team led by Dame and Giannis. But outside of those two, Doc Rivers has been stuck accumulating tentative options, some of which are painfully disappointing.

Delon Wright struggled to create offense, Ryan Rollins could barely sniff the rotation after injury, and AJ Green even got a shot as an emergency bullpen. Pat Connaughton tried to fill Middleton's old role but looked uncomfortable, despite a high usage rate in his career.

That's why Khris Middleton's return can't come soon enough!

Even at less than 100 percent, playmaking has been a lifeline for Milwaukee. Middleton has 5.8 assists in just 21.3 minutes per game, well above his career high of 5.4.

The best part? The chemistry between him and Antetokounmpo is as strong as ever. Whether in transition or in half-court sets, they move in perfect synchronization. Of Middleton's assists this season, nearly 70% have gone to the Greek maniac. It's like they haven't missed a beat.

Defenses are paying attention, too. Khris Middleton's appeal opens up space for everyone else while he continues to control his sales. Through his first four games, he has averaged just over one turnover per game – impressive for a player who is still shaking off the rust!

Yes, his shooting still needs improvement (he only shoots 25.9%), but Middleton's presence has been a game-changer for the Bucks. His ability to create for others has elevated Doc Rivers and Co.'s offense and made life easier for Giannis, Dame, and the rest of the team.