Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is expected to miss the team's season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Shams Charania reports that the team is "cautiously progressing Middleton toward a return." There hasn't been mention of a specific timetable as he continues to rehab from multiple ankle surgeries. While Middleton works his way back, newly acquired Gary Trent Jr. should see more opportunities along with Taurean Prince and Pat Connaughton. Delon Wright may even get into the mix, but it looks like Trent has the most value of the bunch.

Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against Dallas. Last week, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers hoped to have Middleton available for the team's final two preseason games, but the former All-Star will end up missing the entire preseason slate. Middleton continues to nurse injuries to both ankles and didn't practice on Wednesday. However, he is still expected to be available for Milwaukee's regular-season opener on Oct. 23 versus Philadelphia. Taurean Prince will likely replace Middleton in the starting unit if he doesn't recover in time. At the same time, there should also be extra playing time available for Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis.

Washington Wizards forward Saddiq Bey (knee) remains without a timetable for his return to action. The 25-year-old suffered an ACL injury in March and is still rehabbing, with a week to go until the start of the 2024-25 NBA campaign. Bey could be fun to watch on this rebuilding Wizards team. He has averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in 292 regular-season appearances with Detroit and Atlanta. Despite his knee injury, Bey was signed to a three-year, $20 million deal as a free agent by the Wizards in the summer, so the team clearly values him. However, it could take months until we see the 25-year-old in action with his new squad.

Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (ankle) might be available for a pair of games before preseason finishes. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes Middleton could be ready for the team's final two preseason games, although he's added that there is "no guarantee" regarding his availability. Milwaukee completes its preseason slate next week against Chicago and Dallas, with the games scheduled for Monday and Thursday. Middleton had surgeries on both ankles in the offseason and hasn't yet participated in full practices during training camp and preseason.

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. He will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The 31-year-old was traded to Washington during the offseason after averaging 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 41.2% shooting from deep with the Blazers in 2023-24. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 39 games. Without question, Brogdon is a force whenever he's on the floor. However, his injury woes over the years make him a risky fantasy option. That won't change until he proves he can stay healthy.