With Middleton still on a minutes restriction, bringing him off the bench and getting Taurean Prince back into the starting lineup may give Rivers more flexibility.

Middleton, 33, didn’t make his season debut until Dec. 6 as he missed the Bucks’ first 21 games.

Since then, Middleton has appeared in 12 games, starting seven, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 assists. 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from distance.

Middleton’s scoring average is his lowest since his second NBA season in 2013-14, but that’s largely because he played 23.8 minutes per game, his fewest since his rookie season.

Despite the limitations, Middleton has been quite productive and efficient this season, surpassing his career mark of 38.8 percent from three-point range.

Monday against the Toronto Raptors was the first game Middleton missed since returning as he battled ankle tendonitis.

Prince was reinserted into the starting lineup for this game after coming off the bench in each of Milwaukee’s previous seven games, and contributed eight points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds in a 24-point win.

It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Bucks, but they currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference at 18-16, which is no mean feat considering they started 2-8.

Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at an MVP level is a big reason the Bucks have righted the ship, as is the play of Damian Lillard, who has improved in his second season with the organization.

Middleton is a three-time All-Star who played a key role in the Bucks winning a championship in 2021, but he’s clearly not quite himself yet as he continues to overcome his ankle issues.

Bringing Middleton off the bench could make it much easier for Rivers to monitor his minutes since he doesn’t have to worry about how it will impact the starting lineup.

Middleton also has the makings of an elite scorer off the bench, meaning he could be the catalyst the Bucks have been looking for in the sixth man role.

According to Haynes, Middleton will come off the bench Wednesday night when the Bucks host the San Antonio Spurs.