Khris Middleton Cleared for Return, Still Not Ready

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will miss Thursday's game against the Lakers due to personal reasons, marking his first absence of the season, with Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Anthony Black likely to see increased playing time in his stead. In Milwaukee, Khris Middleton has been medically cleared following double ankle surgeries, yet he feels unprepared for his season debut, raising concerns among fans and analysts about his prolonged recovery. Coach Doc Rivers expressed optimism about Middleton's progress, noting he has been actively participating in on-court activities, but the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Meanwhile, speculation regarding Middleton’s future with the Bucks is intensifying as the team struggles with a 6-9 record this season. Some fans are advocating for a trade involving Middleton as they seek to bolster team depth. The situation highlights the precarious balance between ensuring Middleton's health and the team's immediate performance needs.