Khris Middleton trending toward preseason debut Friday as Wizards finish ramp-up

Khris Middleton is “trending in the direction” of making his preseason debut Friday when the Washington Wizards finish their exhibition schedule in New Orleans, coach Brian Keefe said after Wednesday’s practice. The 35-year-old forward has not played in any of Washington’s preseason games so far.

Brian Keefe said Khris Middleton (ramp-up) is “trending in the direction” of playing in Friday’s preseason finale in New Orleans.

Middleton has yet to play this preseason.

Keefe said it’s “to be determined” whether the starters will play against the Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/dmpbo5ngIE

— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) October 14, 2026

Keefe said no final decision has been made. He also said it is “to be determined” whether Washington’s starters will play against the Pelicans, so even a Friday debut could be a short one.

A planned ramp-up, not an injury

The Wizards have described Middleton’s absence as a conditioning ramp-up, not an injury. He was held out of a team scrimmage early in camp as part of that plan, and he has been listed for rest in each game since. He sat the Oct. 8 opener against the Knicks and the Oct. 10 game against Detroit, then was unavailable again Monday when Brooklyn beat Washington 131-122.

Middleton was getting up free throws during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice.

Khris Middleton getting free throws up during the open portion of today’s Wizards practice pic.twitter.com/fIlW00fXXi

— Wizards Roundtable (@WizRoundtable) October 14, 2026

Where he fits

Middleton came back to Washington in July on a three-year, $17.6 million deal through a sign-and-trade with Dallas. Last season he averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 22.8 minutes over 63 games. He starts camp behind Anthony Davis at power forward, and Keefe has said the opening-night rotation is still open. Middleton is part of a group, along with Bub Carrington, Justin Champagnie, Will Riley and Tre Mann, competing for the last bench minutes behind Deandre Ayton, Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly.

If he plays Friday, that would be his only exhibition before the regular season starts next week. For a veteran who has dealt with ankle and knee problems in recent seasons, the Wizards appear more concerned with having him ready for October games that count than with how much he plays in the preseason.