Bucks' Khris Middleton Says 'I Need to Be Playing' amid Recovery from Ankle Injury

Amid recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since early February, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is anxious to get back on the court.

Per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski, Middleton wants to get in playoff form before the end of the season.

"I want to get back out there," Middleton said. "I need to be playing. I've been on a minute restriction most of the year so at this point I just need to be on the court. So, I'm fighting every day that I can."

Middleton has dealt with a plethora of injuries this season that have limited his minutes. He began the year on a minutes restriction while recovering from an offseason knee surgery. He managed to stay healthy for most of December and January, but suffered an ankle injury on Feb. 3.

The veteran has played in 43 games this season, averaging 14.8 points, five assists and 4.3 rebounds per game while averaging 26.3 minutes.

Middleton has been crucial to Milwaukee's success, averaging 24 points in the Bucks' Finals win over the Phoenix Suns in 2021, but injuries have taken a toll in recent years. He suffered a knee injury in the first round of the 2022 playoffs that kept him out for the rest of the year, leading to the Bucks coming up short in the conference semifinals.

Now, Middleton is hoping to make his return to prepare for what Milwaukee hopes will be a deep playoff run.