BOSTON – Wednesday afternoon did not signify the official return of Khris Middleton, but following the Milwaukee Bucks’ first full practice since the regular season began on Oct. 23, head coach Doc Rivers left the session in good spirits about what he saw.

"He did a lot today," said Rivers, facing Middleton as the forward finished an individual shooting session soaked in sweat. "A whole lot. Stayed out on the floor with our guys. So, he's getting close."

That said, the three-time all-star will not play Thursday in Memphis.

"I don't have a timeline," Rivers said of Middleton's return. "But he's getting closer."

The 33-year-old Middleton, who had surgery on his left ankle about five months ago and a surgery on his right ankle about four months ago, has yet to practice in a five-on-five setting. It remains an open box to check before Middleton can begin playing.

Though the calendar becomes more compressed in terms of off days for the full Bucks team to practice, Rivers once again noted how they can utilize players with their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, to get Middleton that five-on-five work if needed.

Milwaukee carries a three-game losing streak into its game at Memphis (2-2) on Thursday. The Bucks return home to play the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at Fiserv Forum.

"Our record is 1-3 and yet this team, you can feel it, we're close to taking off," Rivers said. "And we know that. But we're not there. But we're close to it."

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Khris Middleton injury timeline

Feb. 6: Injured left ankle when Phoenix forward Kevin Durant slid his foot under Middleton and the Bucks' star came down on it. Middleton exited the game immediately and Durant was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for the play. Middleton left Phoenix in a walking boot. He would miss the next 16 games recovering from the injury. April 23: Injured right ankle when he landed on the foot of a Indiana Pacers player Pascal Siakam in the first quarter of the second game of the Bucks' first-round playoff series. Middleton slapped the court in obvious pain, but he did not miss any court time. In six games, he averaged 24.7 points on 48% shooting to go with 9.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He had a 42-point games and four double-doubles in the series in averaging over 38 minutes per game. May: The left ankle was repaired surgically.June: The right ankle was repaired surgically.July: League sources said Middleton had already returned to doing court work.Sept. 30: On Bucks media day, Rivers felt like Middleton was looking good on the eve of training camp. Oct. 8: Rivers was hopeful Middleton could play in one or both of the Bucks’ final preseason games. Oct. 10: Rivers said Middleton had been playing three-on-three and the team was hoping he could progress to a full, live practice in order to play a preseason game. Oct. 22: Middleton ruled out for regular season opener in Philadelphia.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks coach Doc Rivers updates Khris Middleton's status after practice