Doc Rivers gives key update on Khris Middleton's availability for Bucks' season-opening game vs 76ers

Doc Rivers has offered an update on Khris Middleton's status for the Milwaukee Bucks' season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers scheduled for Wednesday.

The veteran swingman has been limited in practice and would need to play 5-on-5 basketball before being cleared to face the 76ers. Rivers said that "there's a chance" to see Middleton back on the court if he's fully healthy with his ankle issues.

The Bucks have missed Middleton for a big chunk of the past two seasons, only clocking in 55 games in 2023-24 and 33 games in 2022-23. Ever since he won the 2021 NBA championship, his body started bothering him and the Bucks know that Middleton's presence is still integral to their potential success.

They were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs after a season full of ups and downs with Adrian Griffin and Doc Rivers.

With Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo set to run it back, the Bucks hope to make another deep run and challenge for another title.

In 55 games, the 33-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Everything could go right or wrong for the Bucks this season, and having Khris Middleton back on the roster could make a huge impact on their aspirations.

As the 76ers game gets closer, we'll know more details about Middleton's chances to play.

Bradley Beal says Bucks offered Khris Middleton to trade for him

Before being shipped to the Phoenix Suns, Bradley Beal was coveted by other NBA teams. The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks were two teams reportedly interested in the shooting guard.

While the Heat didn't push for a move, the Bucks went further, but he didn't want it to go through since they were including Middleton in the deal.

"They were trading Middleton," Beal said. "They were trading Middy, but Middy had a player option. So he has to opt-in and get traded. I don't know how many people who gon' opt-in and get traded to DC.

"The loyalty part in that, trading someone who won y’all a championship in the previous year and was a key piece to y'all winning the championship. It didn't really sit right with me. Granted, we're competitors, I can fill their role very nicely, I ain't like that."

Now Beal is in a Big Three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, trying to win a ring with the same coach that helped Middleton and Antetokounmpo win in 2021.