Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. Following Wednesday's narrow road loss to the first-place Boston Celtics, the Bucks will use Thursday's matchup against an inferior opponent to manage the left ankle that shelved Middleton for over a month of action between February and March. Sunday's showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder marks the veteran sharpshooter's next chance to take the court. Milwaukee's frontcourt could be undermanned with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) questionable on Thursday, so the glass-cleaning Bobby Portis Jr. may be in for an expanded role. Across 24 games without Middleton this year, Portis is averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers and faces a Nets team that could be without interior presence Nicolas Claxton (illness).

Washington Wizards center Richaun Holmes (illness) is questionable heading into Thursday's showdown with the Kings. He recently returned from a three-game layoff because of a sprained big toe. But now the 30-year-old could miss Wednesday's contest because of a non-COVID-illness. With Deni Avdija (knee) questionable and Marvin Bagley III (back) out, Corey Kispert could find himself staying in the starting lineup. Jared Butler and Justin Champagnie, combining for 31 points in the loss to Houston on Tuesday, may continue to get enough minutes to keep them relevant for DFS contests if Holmes doesn't suit up.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton isn't listed on the team's injury report for Wednesday's matchup with Boston. Middleton tweaked his ankle at the beginning of February, resulting in a multi-week stint on the shelf. However, he returned for Sunday's win over the Phoenix Suns. The 32-year-old played better than expected, amassing 22 points, seven rebounds, and one steal in just 25 minutes. Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) was ruled out, so Middleton had a chance to get more involved offensively. Nonetheless, with Antetokounmpo questionable versus the Celtics, Middleton could end up taking on a more prominent role on the scoring end. He'll also presumably see a slight bump in minutes.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) has been ruled out for the Monday night game against the Chicago Bulls. The veteran point guard has been making progress and ramping up to more work at practice each day, but he still doesn't have a timetable to return. At this rate, the team won't be rushing him back to play in games that won't matter at the end of the day. While he remains on the sidelines, Dalano Banton and Scoot Henderson should keep seeing added opportunities in the backcourt alongside Anfernee Simons. Banton may have the best value as a streaming option since he joined the starting five instead of Henderson.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Sunday's contest against Phoenix, which signals he's ready to return to the lineup. Middleton last played on Feb. 6 and has missed the past 16 games with a left ankle sprain. Jae Crowder has been filling in for him in the starting unit and appears poised to return to a bench role on Sunday. However, he could still get some extra run-outs, with Middleton possibly on a minutes restriction following his lengthy absence. There's also a chance Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) and Malik Beasley (back) sit out Sunday's action, which would further impact the rotation.