Milwaukee Bucks

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.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) popped up on the injury report again but he's listed as probable to take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The former MVP has spent plenty of time on the injury report this season but has only missed two games so far this year. The last time he had to sit out was January 17 and he's been racking up big games since then. Antetokounmpo is always a must-start caliber player as he averages a double-double to go along with 6.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Damian Lillard (ankle) is also listed as probable, so that should mean the offense will be firing on all cylinders.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is out for Friday's tilt versus the Charlotte Hornets. Middleton left the arena in a walking boot and crutches following Tuesday's defeat to the Phoenix Suns after spraining his left ankle, so he was up against a quick turnaround to suit up on Friday. The Bucks will have a few days off before Monday's showdown with the Denver Nuggets, marking Middleton's next chance to return to the lineup. Jae Crowder (ankle), who is probable on Friday, led Milwaukee's starters in points (21), rebounds (eight), three-pointers (four), and minutes (37) amid Thursday's blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Against a Hornets team that ranks last in opponent field-goal percentage (50.5%), Crowder would be a solid short-term source of points, triples, and steals if upgraded to available.

The Milwaukee Bucks have made a move to bring in some help on perimeter defense. On Thursday, the Bucks acquired guard Patrick Beverley from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for guard Cameron Payne and a 2027 second-round pick. Beverley figures to be the primary backup guard to Damian Lillard on the depth chart. He's an above-average defender and a solid all around player to have on the roster. However, it's unlikely that Beverley gets enough playing time to warrant in standard 12-team fantasy formats.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The superstar guard will miss his second game in a row due to a left ankle sprain. His absence is going to leave the team extremely shorthanded at the guard spot on Thursday. Pat Connaughton should remain in the starting five and is worth a look as a streaming option. Andre Jackson Jr. should see more minutes off the bench which should give him increased value as well.