Is Khris Middleton playing tonight against Orlando Magic? Latest on Bucks superstar's availability for Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinal (Dec. 10)

Khris Middleton is ruled probable for Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic. Since making his debut for the Bucks on Friday against the Boston Celtics, Middleton has been considered day-to-day. He was probable on Sunday versus the Phoenix Suns before he was cleared to play hours before tip-off.

Middleton is again on the injury report but is expected to play in the knockout stage of the NBA Cup. The Bucks have a good chance of earning a ticket to Las Vegas for the semifinal round if the sweet-shooting forward plays. Middleton’s presence alone helps open the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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The Bucks are easing Khris Middleton back into the flow of their game

After ankle injuries in the offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks were unsurprisingly extra cautious in Khris Middleton’s first few games. He played 23 minutes in his team’s 111-105 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday before playing 20 minutes on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers has kept the three-time All-Star from playmaking duties when Damian Lillard isn’t on the court. In last season’s playoffs, Rivers often asked Middleton to bring the ball and set the offense so Dame Time could move around screens. The coach hasn’t put that burden yet on his star forward’s shoulders.

Middleton has been largely relegated to catch-and-shoot duties in his first two games. Over that stretch, he scored 22 points on 5-for-18 shooting, including 2-for-6 from deep. The Bucks are confident that it won’t be long before he gets his rhythm and stroke back as the season progresses. He does continue to be an excellent passer who can set up teammates when the occasion calls for it.

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Khris Middleton has given the Milwaukee Bucks a lift off the bench

Doc Rivers hasn’t started Khris Middleton yet this season. The forward came off the bench in both games he played this season. He usually enters the game midway through the first quarter to relieve Taurean Prince or Brook Lopez. Rivers always has Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard or both when Middleton is on the floor.

Middleton has contributed as a non-starter. He doesn’t have shooting efficiency yet, but he has made the Bucks’ offense more dynamic. The 2021 NBA champ is dishing out 5.5 assists as a setup man in Milwaukee’s halfcourt sets.