Khris Middleton returns to the Bucks after testing positive for COVID earlier this month, expects to play vs. the Los Angeles Lakers

Khris Middleton moved out of the NBA's health and safety protocol late last week while the Milwaukee Bucks were on the road, and the two-time all-star got back to practice with the team Tuesday at the Sports Science Center.

He initially was held out of the Utah Jazz game on Oct. 31 for an illness, and then he entered the health and safety protocol on Nov. 1. Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said Middleton had tested positive for COVID-19.

When asked by by reporters Tuesday about how he felt upon hearing that result, Middleton said, “Panic. I’m not gonna lie, you definitely panic. You hear all the stories out there. I definitely feel like my family and I were very fortunate that we didn’t end up in the hospital or get severe symptoms.”

Middleton spent the minimum 10 days in the protocol.

Before leaving Atlanta on Sunday, Budenholzer said he expected Middleton to be available to play Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

After practice Tuesday, Budenholzer did acknowledge there will be a minutes limit for Middleton. He last played against San Antonio on Oct. 30.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Khris Middleton returns to Milwaukee Bucks after having COVID