The Bucks returned from the All-Star break on Thursday and beat the Clippers, and they’ll finish a back-to-back set of games on Friday with a matchup in Washington against the Wizards. While Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,500; calf) is probable, Lillard was ruled out for right hamstring injury maintenance.
Lillard was sidelined for the Bucks’ last game before the break on February 12 in Minnesota due to the right hamstring strain, but he played in the All-Star game and also suited up on Thursday. He struggled from the field, going just 2-for-12 (16.7%) and finished with 15 points and 38.25 fantasy points in 33 minutes. It doesn’t seem like there was any setback, just that the Bucks will be careful with their All-Star point guard and have him sit out on Friday.
In his place, Giannis will carry a larger workload against the Wizards along with former-Wizard Kyle Kuzma ($6,900). In the backcourt, though, there will be minutes and usage available.
The Bucks added Kevin Porter Jr. ($4,200) at the trade deadline, and he made his Bucks debut against the Clippers with 13 points in 15 minutes while adding two assists and a steal for 17 fantasy points. KPJ could step into a much larger role on Friday. Ryan Rollins ($3,600) played 26 minutes while starting in Lillard’s place before the break, but only had 16.25 fantasy points and did not play any minutes in Thursday’s game with Porter available.
If KPJ gets the start, he’ll be an interesting DFS play for DraftKings contests like the NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st], and whoever plays point guard should be in store for a good night since the Wizards have been one of the best matchups in the NBA for backcourt fantasy production.
