In an ideal world, Middleton would have returned from the injury and ramped up to his spot in the starting lineup with no restrictions.

The Milwaukee Bucks are moving Khris Middleton to the bench, coach Doc Rivers confirmed on Wednesday prior to the team's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Middleton, who missed the Bucks' win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday due to ankle tendinitis,

The Milwaukee Bucks have been waiting to see all-stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard at full force under head coach Doc Rivers, as the trio have been limited to just seven games together this season due to injury and illness.

MILWAUKEE -- Less than two minutes into Wednesday night's showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama took a pass in semi-transition, pump-faked and floated into a one-legged 3-pointer. A few minutes later, he drove baseline, challenged Giannis Antetokounmpo at the rim and double-clutched for an absurd finish.

Damian Lillard scored 26 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the visiting San Antonio Spurs 121-105 on Wednesday night.

Banchero has been out since before Halloween with a torn oblique but is expected to return Thursday (Timberwolves) or Friday (Bucks).

The Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 15-point victory over the Orlando Magic. The question is: Will Paolo Banchero's much-anticipated return come Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks?