The Milwaukee Bucks are increasingly hopeful injured swingman Khris Middleton could return to the floor in early- to mid-February, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com the Bucks think Middleton, who suffered a hamstring tear just days before the season began, "has a chance" to return to the lineup during a three-game homestand next month before the All-Star break.
Whether Middleton ultimately makes his season debut before or after the All-Star Game, he is expected to be kept on a minutes restriction as he eases way his back from the injury, sources said.
Widely regarded as the Bucks' best two-way player before Giannis Antetokounmpo's breakthrough this season to possible All-Star status, Middleton has begun to participate in portions of Bucks practices.
The Bucks initially projected a six-month absence for Middleton, 25, when he tore his left hamstring in September in a one-on-one drill. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 79 games last season, which was his first season after signing a five-year, $70 million contract.
Middleton told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last month that he always believed he'd be back at some point this season.
"But the way this team is playing, I'm not going to rush," Middleton told the newspaper in January.
The Bucks slipped to 20-21 with Wednesday's 19-point loss at Houston, but Milwaukee is currently starting three players who were projected as reserves in John Henson, Tony Snell and rookie Malcolm Brogdon.