NBA news: Khris Middleton reportedly benched by Bucks amid continued injury recovery | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 04: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks works out before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum on January 4, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

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The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly shifting veteran forward Khris Middleton to a bench role moving forward.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers informed Middleton of the move on Sunday, citing a desire to have continuity in the starting lineup as Middleton continues to work his way back from offseason double ankle surgery:

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes

Sources: Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton will return for tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs and will come off the bench as the team tries to find continuity in the starting lineup. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/CgKOD5Oo4e

With Middleton remaining on a minute restriction, perhaps bringing him in off the bench and putting Taurean Prince back in the starting lineup would give Rivers more flexibility.

The 33-year-old Middleton didn’t make his season debut until Dec. 6, when he missed the Bucks’ first 21 contests.

Since then, Middleton has appeared in 12 games, starting seven of them, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 assists. 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers made per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Middleton’s scoring average is his lowest since his second NBA season in 2013-14, but that’s largely due to his 23.8 minutes played per game. game is his fewest since his rookie campaign.

Despite the limitations, Middleton has been fairly productive and efficient this season, shooting better than his career mark of 38.8 percent from three-point range.

Monday against the Toronto Raptors marked the first game Middleton has missed since returning from dealing with ankle tendinitis.

Prince was put back into the starting lineup for that game after coming off the bench in each of Milwaukee’s previous seven contests, and he contributed eight points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds in a 24-point victory.

It’s been an up-and-down season for the Bucks, but they currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-16, which is no small feat considering they started 2-8.

Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP-caliber level is a big reason the Bucks have righted the ship, as has the play of Damian Lillard, who has improved in his second season with the organization.

Middleton is a three-time All-Star who played a key role in the Bucks winning a championship in 2021, but he’s clearly not quite himself yet as he continues to move past his ankle issues.

Bringing Middleton off the bench could make it much easier for Rivers to monitor his minutes since he doesn’t have to worry about how it affects the starting lineup.

Middleton also has what it takes to be an elite scorer off the bench, meaning he could be the type of catalyst the Bucks have been looking for in a sixth-man role.

Per Haynes, Middleton will be ready to come off the bench Wednesday night when the Bucks host the San Antonio Spurs.