The Milwaukee Bucks, a team already battered by injuries this season, watched one of their stars limp off the floor in pain on Monday night and his status going forward is unknown.
All-Star and Olympian Khris Middleton injured his knee late in the third quarter on Monday night, going for a defensive rebound, bumping into teammate Rodney Hood, and landing awkwardly. He soon limped off the court not to return.
Khris Middleton (left knee hyperextension)
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2021
Will not return.
After the game, coach Mike Budenholzer sounded optimistic Middleton would not miss an extended period of time. Here’s his quote, via Tim Bontemps of ESPN:
Middleton is averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. However, his shooting efficiency has gone from well above average (58.8 true shooting percentage a season ago) to closer to league average this season (53.9). The Bucks have been 5.2 points per 100 possessions better with Middleton on the court this season.
Milwaukee has been hit hard by injuries this season. Brook Lopez played opening night but not since and recently underwent back surgery that will have him out for an extended period. Starting two guard Donte DiVincenzo is set to play in his first game of the season Wednesday night, slowed by an ankle injury from last season.
