Washington Wizards DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) won't play in Thursday's contest versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Middleton sprained his left ankle after landing on Kevin Durant's foot on a three-point attempt early in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, limiting him to eight minutes of play, and The Athletic's Eric Nehm reported that Middleton left the arena in a walking boot and crutches. The Bucks host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the second outing of a four-game homestand, so the 32-year-old three-time All-Star is facing a short turnaround if he wants to suit up by then. Three-and-D wing Jae Crowder (ankle) is expected to play and is a likely candidate to fill Middleton's role in Milwaukee's starting five, putting him in play in DFS, but the matchup against a Minnesota squad allowing the fewest points per game (107.1) couldn't be any worse.

The Portland Trail Blazers aren't including guard Malcolm Brogdon (knee) on their injury report for Thursday's game versus the Detroit Pistons. A right knee contusion cost Brogdon Sunday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, but he's got the green light to return on Thursday. Somewhat surprisingly staying put in Portland in the aftermath of Thursday's trade deadline, Brogdon is in an advantageous position against a Pistons squad that ranks 27th in opponent points per game (122.3) this year. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 19.0 points, 6.8 dimes, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 triples in 35.4 minutes while shooting 91.7% from the foul line through his prior nine games, and although it's possible the Blazers were showcasing the 31-year-old veteran ahead of the deadline in an attempt to move him, Brogdon belongs in all season-long fantasy lineups in this spot.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (rest) isn't spotted on the team's injury report for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Middleton rested on the second end of a back-to-back during Sunday's loss to the Utah Jazz, but he'll return for the final outing of Milwaukee's five-game West Coast swing in a 2021 NBA Finals rematch on Tuesday. The 32-year-old former All-Star's minutes have stabilized after facing early-season restrictions, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 threes, and 1.4 steals in 33.5 minutes over his past seven games. It's a tough matchup on paper against a Suns team defending opposing swingmen well this year, but a 243.5-point implied total is the second highest on Monday's seven-game slate.

Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey (ankle) could be out for a second consecutive game on Monday against the Clippers. Bey sprained his left ankle against Phoenix on Friday and wasn't available for Saturday's contest versus Golden State. Garrison Mathews took Bey's spot in the starting unit but logged only 16 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic ended up picking up extra shifts off the bench and logged nearly 40 minutes in an overtime game. He will be counted on a lot again if Bey can't play on Monday.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This news comes after Brogdon was tagged as questionable coming into this game due to a right knee contusion. Jerami Grant (back) will join him on the sideline which will leave the Blazers shorthanded. Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray will shift into the starting five to help fill the void. Although, Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara might be the better streaming choices even with them coming off the bench.