Here's Where Bucks Star Khris Middleton is at in His MCL Sprain Recovery

The Bucks have ruled out star forward Khris Middleton for Wednesday’s Game 5, but the Pro Basketball Docs have slight optimism for a potential return this series.

Kris Middleton Injury Update

Middleton hasn’t played since suffering a sprained left MCL on April 20. An MRI later revealed the injury as a grade 2 sprain.

Milwaukee has held serve behind the dominant play of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks eagerly await Middleton's return.

Despite reporting from Shams Charania that he would surely miss the second round and possibly be out through the East Finals, the ProBasketballDocs believe that Middleton is nearing a comeback and would be ready to go if the Bucks advanced to the ECF. 

The Docs maintain hope that he could return for a potential Game 7 matchup against the Celtics.

On a video ahead of Game 5, Middleton was seen walking without a knee brace, a positive sign that he's nearing a return.

Whenever the three-time all-star does return, his mobility will likely be initially limited. 

When Middleton went down in Game 2 of the first round the Docs were initially optimistic, based on video, that he suffered only a minor injury and would be able to play through the ailment.

Despite the upgrade in severity, the Docs maintain that it may be a low grade 2 sprain. 

Middleton has progressed well and was seen today boarding the team plane to Boston without a knee brace, which is a good sign that he is close. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on NBA Today that Middleton is now doing on-court work with the hopes of being strong enough for Game 7 but added that the Bucks won’t be counting on a return this series. 

True grade 2 MCL sprains sideline players for around six weeks, as evidenced this season by the likes of Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, who missed 17 and 21 games, respectively. 

Game 7 is tentatively scheduled for May 15, which would be 25 days since he sprained his knee.

There is precedent for players returning early and performing well after MCL sprains. In 2016, Stephen Curry suffered a right MCL sprain in Game 4 of the first round in a similar manner, as he slipped on the floor and his knee bent inward.

Curry returned in Game 4 of the second round, 15 days after the injury, scoring 40 points in a near triple-double and eventually leading the Warriors to the Finals. 

Bucks NBA Finals Odds

With the series tied 2-2, the Bucks are +160 to win the series and +800 to win the NBA Finals, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.