Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,700, illness) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Pelicans.
Below, I break down my favorite value play from the Bucks if Antetokounmpo is out.
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
PG, Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans, $4,800
The Bucks just faced the Pelicans this past Sunday and Milwaukee decided to sit Antetokounmpo for that game. The Bucks won that tilt and they likely feel that they can take care of business without Antetokounmpo again tonight, as New Orleans is 3-7 in their last 10.
Getting Antetokounmpo some extra rest before the playoffs is a wise move for the Bucks and if he is out, the big man will be joining Damian Lillard (calf) on the sidelines. With these two stars out this past Sunday vs. the Pelicans, Porter Jr. started and posted 41.5 FPTS across 33.5 minutes. In general, the veteran has been thriving for Milwaukee. Even with Antetokounmpo active for two of these contests, Porter Jr. is producing 45.3 FPTS per game in his last three.
If Antetokonmpo is out Thursday, the Bucks will desperately need Porter Jr.’s offense and he will command a huge role. With both Antetokounmpo and Lillard off the floor this season, Porter Jr. is leading the Bucks with a 30% usage rate and a 36.5% assist percentage, resulting in 1.3 FPTS per minute for the guard.
These are superstar esque rates and Porter Jr. will be a must-play against this tanking New Orleans squad if Antetokounmpo is inactive. This season, the Pelicans rank second-to-last in defensive rating.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
