Giannis Antetokounmpo had a big game, but he praised the Bucks for following a preseason formula in Wednesday's season-opening victory.

Khris Middleton played his first game in Milwaukee as an opposing player since 2013, when he was a rookie on the Detroit Pistons. Even more noticeably, Middleton went up against his good friend and Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks players will roll out the welcome-back mat and open their arms. Khris Middleton, one of the Bucks' most consistent and often under-appreciated players, will get to hear the cheers when he returns to Milwaukee and Fiserv Forum for the first time since being traded to the Washington Wizards last season.

The Bucks will tip off the 2025-26 season on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when they host the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m. at Fiserv Forum.

On any Wednesday that the Bucks play, fans who make a purchase of $75 or more at Total Wine & More locations in Wisconsin will receive two tickets to a future Bucks game this season. Fans can redeem their tickets online with the unique code that will be printed on their receipt.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. exited the season opener against Washington with an injury in the first quarter.

A passive start doomed Washington against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Friday is a chance to avoid the same mistake.