UPDATE: Lillard has been ruled out for Monday’s game vs. the Thunder, while Lopez remains questionable. Even if the center suits up, it is unlikely Lopez plays much, as the Bucks are clearly prioritizing health on this second leg of a back-to-back. With Lillard joining Antetokounmpo and Middleton on the sidelines, AJ Green ($3,300), Ryan Rollins ($3,100), Andre Jackson Jr. ($3,500) and Gary Trent Jr. ($4,200) all are appealing punt plays for Monday’s DFS slate.
The Bucks have lost three games in a row and now, they will be facing the Thunder on Monday without Antetokounmpo (knee) and Khris Middleton (injury management). Also, Bobby Portis ($5,600, doubtful) is expected to miss his sixth straight game due to a personal matter, while both Damian Lillard ($8,800, groin) and Brook Lopez ($5,600, back) are questionable. Monday is the second leg of a back-to-back set for Milwaukee, so holding out some of their key players is presumably just for rest purposes, and they should be back in action Wednesday vs. the Hornets.
If he plays, Damian Lillard ($8,800) will be the Bucks’ unquestioned top option. With Antetokounmpo and Middleton off the floor this season, Lillard jumps 6.8 percentage points to 34.9%. Lopez will also see a large workload in the front-court if suits up, with both Antetokounmpo and Portis missing.
That being said, both Lillard and Lopez joining Antetokounmpo and Milddleton on the sidelines seems likely given the Bucks are playing the Thunder on the road. Oklahoma City is 20-3 at home this season and just accepting a defeat makes sense for the Bucks in this situation.
If that ends up being the case with Lillard and Lopez inactive, the shorthanded Bucks will be a strong source of value plays, with Gary Trent Jr. ($4,200) and Andre Jackson Jr. ($3,600) being two of the best options.
With Milwaukee depleted Monday, they are a 15-point underdog vs. the Thunder on DraftKings Sportsbook.
