Khris Middleton will be back on the court for the Bucks on Wednesday after missing seven games

In the locker room Monday night following his 50-point, 14-rebound, 6-assist, 0-turnover performance, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo held court. The last words out of his mouth weren't about his historic night, though, they were about his injured all-star running mate, Khris Middleton.

“I can’t wait for him to come back, I’m not going to lie to you," Antetokounmpo said.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks won't have to wait any longer. Middleton, who missed seven games with a left thigh bruise, said Tuesday after the team's practice session that he will be back for the game at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. He will play restricted minutes, although coach Mike Budenholzer declined to say how many.

“I’ve been feeling great this last week or two," Middleton said.

Middleton initially was expected to miss 3-4 weeks after suffering the injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 10. That first week, Middleton could barely walk or stay on his feet long due to the swelling and pain in his leg.

As that swelling started to go down – faster than anticipated – Middleton was able to dive headlong into his rehab, going through tests in the weight room and getting back onto the court for limited work. Last week in Atlanta, though, it was fairly clear Middleton was still not 100% when he finished his session with a soft, two-handed dunk that coaches and teammates mocked as more of a "power layup" or "Kyle Korver dunk."

“It’s fun and games," said Middleton, who on Tuesday threw down an unassailable jam after practice. "We’re all on each other about dunking, but two points is two points at the end of the day. Still, had to add a little style points in.”

As Middleton continued to progress, the Bucks brought in Cameron Reynolds, one of their two-way players, to assist in putting Middleton through contact one-on-one trials and well as five-on-five scrimmages. At 6-foot-7, Reynolds was the ideal size and much fresher than the rest of the Bucks when it came to pushing Middleton the past couple of days.

“I think for Khris to have an NBA player, an NBA body and a young guy that I think we feel has a bright future in Cam, (was great)," Budenholzer said. "We love our video guys and they do an amazing job of working with and developing, but there’s still nothing like having a young guy that’s hungry, that’s trying to prove himself and that can really push you.

"And for Cam to go against Khris and get to learn from him and just kind of understand what it takes to be a pro – I think for both of them it’s a good, ideal situation.”

Tuesday's one-on-one sessions with Reynolds and assistant video coordinator Schuyler Rimmer – with a brief cameo by Pat Connaughton – were followed by a few final tests and conversations before Middleton was given the all-clear. He has been champing at he bit to get back to playing with his teammates, who have won all seven games in his absence.

Now, instead of offering insights and encouragement from the bench, Middleton will be back in the fold.

“Lot of credit to Khris," Budenholzer said. "Our medical group does an amazing job. Just very happy, excited to have him. He’s obviously a huge part of what we do. ...

"Sometimes myself or (director of performance) Troy (Flanagan) and the organization, we’re extra cautious and I think we are actually being extra cautious, but it’s time. He’s ready.”