The Bulls have a pretty brutal stretch to start their 2024-25 season โ Four of their first five games come against playoff squads from 2023-24 (and the one non-playoff team is the Memphis Grizzlies, who were decimated by injury last year and look ready to get back in the mix in the Western Conference).
HOWEVER, Chicago might be catching a break in one of their matchups.
This morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks will be without star forward Khris Middleton when they open their season on Wednesday against the Sixers. He also mentioned that Milwaukee is “cautiously progressing” the Bucks forward toward a return from his offseason ankle surgeries. The Bucks and Bulls, meanwhile, will meet on Friday.
Will The Bucks Get Khris Middleton Back By Friday?
While nothing Charania said came with much certainty beyond Khris Middleton missing Wednesday, it does feel like the Bucks might be without him for their first few games. The 33-year-old forward had surgeries on not just one but both of his ankles this offseason. Middleton sat for a 16-game stretch during February and March last year but was able to get back on the floor for the playoffs, where he played quite well. Clearly, though he was playing through some pain.
The Milwaukee forward also sat the entirety of the preseason and according to head coach Doc Rivers has been limited in practice since last Wednesday.
It sounds like Milwaukee is just being overly cautious with their All-Star forward to make sure he’s healthy for the long run, which is the correct approach for them to take. If I had to guess, I would think Middleton would be out on Friday night if the Bucks are going with the “cautious” approach as Charania mentioned.
With or without Khris Middleton in the lineup, the Bulls will still be in for a big challenge on Friday night. Milwaukee stumbled down the stretch last year and just never really did seem to find their footing. But now, with Doc Rivers getting a full offseason and a full training camp, it’s not crazy to think that group will look a lot better to start this season.