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Bucks center Larry Sanders underwent a minor outpatient surgical procedure on Friday at Froedtert Hospital but should return in time for the regular-season opener in Charlotte on Oct. 29, the team announced.

Sanders will not play in the final three preseason games but is expected to be back on the practice court at some point before the opener against the Hornets. The Bucks play Friday night against Minnesota in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and travel to New York to play the Knicks on Monday night. They conclude the preseason vs. Minnesota on Wednesday at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The 6-11 Sanders has played well during the exhibition schedule, before his ailment kept him out of practice during the past week. He also missed the Bucks' game at Cleveland on Tuesday.

In three appearances during the preseason Sanders has averaged a double-double (10.7 points and 10 rebounds). He opened with a 10-point, 15-rebound performance against the Memphis Grizzlies and came off the bench the next night against Detroit, contributing eight points and seven rebounds.

On Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, Sanders scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds before fouling out in the Bucks' 91-85 loss.

Sanders was limited to 23 games played last season due to a pair of injuries and underwent a pair of surgeries - on his right thumb and to repair a right orbital fracture. He has responded well to coach Jason Kidd and the new staff and his contributions are expected to be critical for a young Bucks squad this season.