Windhorst: Khris Middleton Unlikely to Return from Injury for Bucks-Celtics Game 7

According to a report by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Khris Middleton isn't expected to be ready to play in Game 7 of the second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

According to Brian Windhorst of RealGM.com, sources expressed optimism earlier in the week that Middleton would be able to return over the weekend, but things have not developed and there is now pessimism about him playing Sunday.

Windhorst said that even if the Bucks beat the Celtics and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, there would be pessimism about the start of that series.

During the first round of the playoffs, he injured his left knee and hasn't played in the second round.

Despite not having the services of Middleton, the defending NBA champion have persevered, splitting the first six games of their second-round playoff series with the Celtics.

Milwaukee had a chance to close it out Friday night, but Boston came through and forced a Game 7.

It would be a huge boost to the team if Middleton were to return.

The 30-year-old has been named an All-Star in three of the past four seasons and has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the past three campaigns.

In 66 games this season, Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per contest. He shot 44.3 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the line.

He averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebound, 5.1 assists, 2.6 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals in 23 playoff games last season, and it was a solid follow-up to what he did during the playoffs.

During the Chicago series, head coach Mike Budenholzer had to make do without him for nearly the entire playoffs because he was injured.

The Bucks have gotten increased contributions from Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, and Brook Lopez, as well as usual suspects like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday.

The Celtics will likely need a big game or two out of their role players in order to get past the Bucks, if Middleton can't go in Game 7.