UPDATE: Antetokounmpo is out.
UPDATE: So… A lot has changed in the last 24 hours.
The Bucks’ injury report has basically flipped, with both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard getting upgraded to probable, while Brook Lopez has been downgraded to questionable.
On top of that, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Khris Middleton has been traded to the Wizards, so the veteran obviously won’t be available on Wednesday in Charlotte. There won’t be much open usage with Milwaukee’s two All-Stars likely back in action, but keep an eye on Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. as value plays. The former started in Middleton’s place back on January 23 against the Heat.
It might honestly be quicker to list who did play in the Bucks’ lopsided loss to the Thunder on Monday, because anyone uninformed was likely very confused by the team’s starting lineup. There was no Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee). There was no Damian Lillard (groin). There wasn’t even Brook Lopez (back), or Khris Middleton (injury management) or Bobby Portis (personal). In short, it was a mess.
Thankfully, it seems reinforcements are on the way for Wednesday’s contest against the Hornets. Lopez, Middleton and Portis are all listed as probable, while Antetokounmpo and Lillard are questionable. Considering Monday represented the second night of a back-to-back set, I get the impression that both of Milwaukee’s stars are more likely to return than not in Charlotte.
Still, if they do continue to sit, both Portis and Middleton own a usage rate of over 30% with Antetokounmpo and Lillard off the floor in 2024-25. Middleton has translated that opportunity into 1.46 FPTS per minute, while Portis sits at an equally impressive 1.42 FPTS. With Middleton having only once exceeded 30 minutes of playing time this season, Portis is probably the more appealing fantasy target, equipped with the higher ceiling.
