Milwaukee Bucks Declare Khris Middleton Out for Wednesday's Game Against Orlando Magic

The Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton clearly isn't all the way back from his lingering knee injury. The team officially declared the three-time All-Star out for tonight's game against the Orlando Magic due to right knee injury management.

UPDATE: Khris Middleton (knee; injury management) is now listed as out for tonight’s game. https://t.co/iLbWEJ7JU2
— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) March 1, 2023

Middleton has appeared in only 20 of a possible 61 games this season due to rest and injury. Even when available, he hasn't been his usual self: his 13.6 points per game are his fewest since the 2014-15 season and his .536 true shooting percentage is his worst since his rookie season.

Given the Bucks are playing the second game of a back-to-back tonight, Middleton's absence isn't particularly surprising. Even with his struggles, the Bucks have been fine: they've won 15 straight since he returned from a lengthy absence. Their 44-17 record is the best in the NBA. If Middleton can ever get his legs back under him, the Bucks may very well be a juggernaut come playoff time.

Middleton's next chance to see the court will be on Saturday night when the Bucks host the Philadelphia 76ers in a pivotal Eastern Conference clash.