Bucks' Rivers not frustrated as Middleton's absence continues

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday that he isn't frustrated with forward Khris Middleton's prolonged recovery from offseason ankle surgeries, according to The Athletic's Eric Nehm.

"Obviously, we want Khris to play, but Khris is doing all the work. He's working his butt off," said Rivers. "As a coach, that's all you can ask for, so there's no frustration in him. He would love to be healthy."

The former All-Star has missed the Bucks' first seven games of the season as he recovers from arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. He was expected to be ready for opening night, but there's no longer a timeline for his return.

"Some people heal (faster) and everybody's different," said Rivers. "And Khris has had a lot of injuries and surgical stuff, so it's just not as fast as we thought it was going to be, and there's nothing wrong with that."

Middleton is progressing in practice. Rivers said he will participate in three-on-three scrimmages Thursday, according to Nehm.

The Bucks have lost six straight since winning their season opener. Former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed their last game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers with a right adductor strain.

Middleton, 33, has appeared in just 88 games over the last two seasons.

He performed well in last year's playoff matchup with the Indiana Pacers, which Antetokounmpo missed with a calf injury. During the first-round series, Middleton averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 38.3 minutes per game.

The Bucks' next chance to end their losing skid comes Thursday against the Utah Jazz.