Have the Milwaukee Bucks figured it out?
They have won four straight after the All-Star Weekend break, including two dominant victories against the Charlotte Hornets in three days.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's stats are the usual. Damian Lillard has turned it up on defense while continuing to be lethal from beyond the arc. Brook Lopez is more effective again in the 3-point area and rim protection.
A Khris Middleton return might make them more dangerous as the season enters its crucial stretch.
The question, though, is when will he return?
The three-time All-Star hasn't played a game since February 7 against the Phoenix Suns when he was forced into the locker room due to an ankle injury.
He only played eight minutes after rolling his ankle when he landed on Kevin Durant's foot while attempting a three-point shot. KD was called for a flagrant 1 foul for the play.
The first diagnosis revealed that he would be out for at least two weeks to recover.
Before getting sidelined, he played 43 games and averaged 14.8 points per game on 48.7 percent shooting, 37.8 percent from the three-point line.
Khris Middleton return, according to Doc Rivers
Middleton is getting closer to a return, according to the Milwaukee Bucks coach.
However, he informed reporters that he was unsure if Khash Money would play against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, the second night of a back-to-back.
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This means his recovery will surpass the initial two-week timeframe.
If he goes, we think he may play," Rivers said.
"I think it's that close. We got to be very careful with it."
He added that Middleton not joining them in Chicago could also do more for his rehabilitation.
"If he doesn't go, it's because he can get more rehab (here) than the back-to-back stuff."
The Bucks will have two days off after their road trip to Illinois.
They will return to the Fiserv Forum on Sunday to host Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Middleton's fit with Dame and Rivers
Although the Bucks' recent streak suggests they are back in top form, Khris Middleton's return might need them to make a few adjustments again.
They are in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, just a half-game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the no. 2 spot.
Middleton used to be the no. 2 guy in the team, but with Damian Lillard's acquisition over the summer, he did not mind deferring to the eight-time All-star.
"You've seen how good that guy is. It would be selfish to try to compete with him for shots and touches when a guy like that wants to come and help us win. Everybody knows that I'm about winning, so I have no problems with putting my pride to the side, sacrificing a couple things for the team to succeed," Middleton told The Athletic in October last year.
So far, this deferring has been productive. He has played 13 games so far alongside Dame and averaged 14.8 points per game and five assists. He scored in all but three games (the other one due to his mid-game injury).
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