Report: Bucks' Middleton hopes to be ready for start of playoffs

Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton hopes to be ready for the start of the playoffs on April 15 and will spend the next week rehabbing his right knee injury, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Middleton exited Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls after eight minutes due to knee soreness. He underwent an MRI on the knee Thursday that came back clean, Charania adds.

The three-time All-Star has played just 33 contests this season due to various injuries. Middleton was sidelined to begin the campaign as he recovered from wrist surgery, and he's also dealt with lingering knee soreness. He missed the end of last year's playoff run in May 2022 due to a left MCL sprain.

The 31-year-old is averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds this season.

The Bucks have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the NBA's best record. They'll face the winner of the East's second play-in tournament spot in the first round of the playoffs.