Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (ankle) is expected to play on Thursday versus Memphis. The former Trail Blazer continues to deal with an ankle injury, an issue that's bothered him for at least a few weeks. However, he hasn't missed much time because of it, and Thursday night shouldn't be any different. Lillard is averaging 24.6 points this year, a considerable drop from last season. But he's still playing at an All-Star level, so fantasy managers will take what they can get as long as he stays healthy enough to play.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Thursday's game versus Memphis. It's another appearance on the injury report for the multi-time MVP, although fantasy managers are used to this by now. He's averaged 30.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this year. He's also playing at an elite level defensively, logging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks in his 53 appearances. Nonetheless, the Bucks shouldn't have any trouble with Memphis. With this in mind, Antetokounmpo could be on the bench more than usual if Milwaukee builds a decisive lead, ultimately impacting his fantasy potential.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) won't play on Thursday versus Memphis. The oft-injured veteran remains out because of a sprained left knee, an ailment that will keep him out of the lineup for a fifth consecutive contest. That said, the All-Star break is around the corner, giving Middleton more time to work his way back. But even if he manages to return for the matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 23, fantasy managers should expect him to miss more games at some point heading into the postseason. Middleton is also averaging 11.6 points during the 2023-24 campaign, so he's nowhere near the player he once was. At any rate, until the 32-year-old is back in uniform, Jae Crowder could remain in the starting lineup, although he's not someone who can be counted on for fantasy production, at least not consistently.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) remains out for Monday's game versus the Denver Nuggets. A sprained left ankle sustained early in last Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns will cost Middleton a third contest in a row, and head coach Doc Rivers didn't sound optimistic about the veteran forward's chances of returning before the All-Star break following Friday's blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets. Middleton should be considered doubtful at best when the Bucks host the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Jae Crowder has directly benefitted fantasy-wise from Middleton's absence, averaging 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 35.6 minutes over his past three appearances, but he'll be a low-end streamer in a tough matchup on Monday against a Nuggets team that's giving up the sixth-fewest points per game (111.0) in the Association this year.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (ankle) is expected to suit up on Monday after receiving a probable status for their game against the Denver Nuggets. The star point guard returned from a two-game absence on Friday to the tune of 26 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals across 29 minutes. He'll remain cemented in fantasy lineups as long as he's healthy enough to be on the court. So far, in his first season with the Bucks, Lillard is averaging 25.0 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.7% from the floor. Some of his numbers have taken a hit, but he's been growing more comfortable playing alongside another superstar talent.