The Milwaukee Bucks informed three-time All-Star forward Khris Middleton that they're removing him from the starting lineup, sources told NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Veteran forward Taurean Prince will start in Middleton place for Wednesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, Haynes adds.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers approached Middleton on Sunday ahead of Monday's road game against the Toronto Raptors to tell him about the starting lineup change, Haynes reports. Middleton didn't play in the 128-104 victory due to an ankle injury.
Rivers is reportedly making the switch to find continuity among the starting five while managing Middleton's minutes as he recovers from ankle tendinitis.
Middleton has appeared in only 12 games this season - five off the bench - after undergoing surgery on both ankles in the offseason.
The 33-year-old is in his 13th NBA season, with the last 12 of those as part of the Bucks. The Texas A&M product was a key contributor to the 2021 championship-winning side and earned All-Star nods in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Middleton also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Middleton is available for Wednesday's home game against the Spurs.
