Bucks’ Khris Middleton plans to make return Friday

After recovering from offseason wrist surgery, Milwaukee Bucks all-star forward Khris Middleton plans to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, sources told ESPN.

Middleton, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in July, returns with the Bucks (15-5) and holds second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics (18-4).

Middleton, 31, has not played since an MCL sprain in Game 2 of the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs ended his 2021-2022 season. Without Middleton, the Celtics defeated the Bucks in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Middleton made his third All-Star appearance a season ago when he averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists.