Is Khris Middleton playing tonight against Atlanta Hawks? Latest update on 2021 champ's status for NBA Cup Semis (Dec. 14)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton was on the team's injury report ahead of their 2024 NBA Cup semifinals showdown against the Atlanta Hawks. According to the Bucks, Middleton is available to play after being listed as probable to play. The reason for his presence earlier on the injury list remains because of his bilateral ankle surgeries.

Middleton made his season debut on Dec. 6 and has played three games. The former All-Star has played limited minutes off the bench, averaging 21 minutes, 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.7 steals, shooting 25.0%, including 28.6% from 3. If it wasn't clear already, Milddeton is still finding his leg, and it could take a while before he contributes at full capacity.

However, that won't stop him from playing Saturday's high-stakes clash against Atlanta in Las Vegas.

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Khris Middleton stats vs. Atlanta Hawks

Khris Middleton has played 27 times against the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 16.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.8 apg, shooting on 44/33/89 splits. He was a key architect of the Bucks' 2021 Eastern Conference finals win against Trae Young and Co., leading the team with 23.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 6.5 apg and 1.7 spg on 44/28/92 splits.

Middleton's production was critical, with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing two games in that series because of injury. Atlanta hasn't been an outright dominant team this season, but it has picked up steam of late, especially in the NBA Cup tournament.

The Bucks will hope Khris Middleton can get closer to his usual production, if not his full potential, as that could ease the pressure on Giannis and Damian Lillard.

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How to watch Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Cup semifinal game?

TNT will provide national coverage of the 2024 NBA Cup East semifinals between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The game begins at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Bucks are -4-point favorites to win and advance to the finals with a -165 money line. Milwaukee is the only unbeaten team in the 2024 NBA Cup, while the Hawks enter this clash with a 4-1 record.