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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (Achilles) scores 28 points Thurs.
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:30 PM
Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) shot 7-of-16 from the field and 10-of-10 from the foul line in Thursday's 120-98 loss to the Pacers, scoring 28 points with two rebounds, four assists, and four 3-pointers in 35 minutes.
Analysis: Initially doubtful for Game 6 after sitting out Game 5, Lillard led the Bucks in scoring while playing 35 minutes. But that doesn't change that this was a disappointing end to his first season in Milwaukee. While he was not traded until just before the start of training camp, the expectations were high for Lillard regarding fantasy value. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 11.3, he finished as a top 25 player in 8- and 9-cat formats. The Bucks' lack of continuity, with Khris Middleton being limited to 55 regular season games and Adrian Griffin being fired despite a 30-13 start, certainly impacted Lillard's value. An entire offseason should help him and his teammates establish better on-court chemistry, but there's always the possibility of significant changes being made to the roster. |
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Bobby Portis Bobby Portis tallies 20 points, 15 boards in Gm 6
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:13 PM
Bobby Portis finished Thursday's Game 6 loss to the Pacers with 20 points (8-of-17 FGs, 3-of-7 FTs), 15 rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 36 minutes.
Analysis: After losing his composure and getting ejected from Game 4, Portis posted solid stat lines in the series' final two games. But it wasn't enough to keep the Bucks alive, as Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence and the team's lack of depth was too much to overcome. Due to his consistent value as a reserve, fantasy managers did not hesitate to use a late-round pick on Portis. Boasting a Yahoo ADP of 113.2, he finished the regular season ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat per-game value. The 2024-25 season is the last guaranteed season on Portis' contract, as he has a player option for 2025-26. He should again be a reliable late-round option in standard leagues this fall. |
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Brook Lopez Brook Lopez finishes season with 20-point night
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:06 PM
Brook Lopez logged 31 minutes in Thursday's 120-98 loss to the Pacers, accounting for 20 points (7-of-12 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), five rebounds, and one assist.
Analysis: While Lopez thoroughly outplayed Myles Turner in Game 6, it didn't matter because Indiana had a far superior bench. The veteran center shot 50% or better from the field in all six games, scoring at least 20 points in three. To say this was a brutal ending for a team with championship ambitions would be an understatement. Lopez isn't a âsexyâ fantasy target, based on his Yahoo ADP of 69.7, but he once again exceeded expectations. The veteran center finished the regular season as a top 50 player in 9-cat formats while sitting just outside the top 60 in 8-cat. He'll likely come off the board in the 6th round of standard league drafts, but Lopez is a relatively safe bet to exceed that. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton limited to 14 points in defeat
Thu, May 2, 2024, 3:03 PM
Khris Middleton finished Thursday's Game 6 loss to the Pacers with 14 points (6-of-16 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer in 37 minutes.
Analysis: While Damian Lillard did return from an Achilles injury, the Bucks were still without Giannis Antetokounmpo. That meant they needed another virtuoso performance from Middleton to keep their season alive, and that didn't happen. The veteran wing finished with a series-low 14 points as the Pacers sent Milwaukee fishing. As in 2022-23, the inability to remain healthy sapped most of Middleton's fantasy value this season. Managers expected this, based on Khash Money's Yahoo ADP of 82.3. While his regular season fantasy value wasn't terrible, the availability issues proved costly. Middleton finished the year ranked outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats, albeit by a few spots. How much managers should trust him in the fall will depend on the Bucks' roster, but Middleton's days as a top 60 fantasy player may be in the rear-view mirror. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton, Patrick Beverley available Thurs.
Thu, May 2, 2024, 11:36 AM
NBA Injury Report
Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) and Patrick Beverley (right oblique muscle strain) will play in Game 6 against the Pacers on Thursday.
Analysis: Both players were listed as probable, so their availablility isn't a surprise. They both played well in Game 5 and will have to shine again in Game 6 in order to extend the series. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) officially out
Thu, May 2, 2024, 11:35 AM
NBA Injury Report
Giannis Antetkounmpo (left soleus strain) has been ruled out for Game 6 against Indiana on Thursday.
Analysis: As expected, Giannis will remain sidelined for Game 6. Bobby Portis is coming off of a 29-point performance and should continue to start in his place. It is unclear if Giannis will be able to return for a potential Game 7. |
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Damian Lillard Haynes: Damian Lillard will play in Game 6
Thu, May 2, 2024, 11:21 AM
Chris Haynes on X
Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) will play in Game 6 against Indiana on Thursday, per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.
Analysis: Lillard is out on the court for his pregame warmup, which was encouraging for his chances of playing. Now Haynes has reported that Lillard will be back after missing Games 4 and 5. Milwaukee defended their home court without him on Tuesday, and now he will try and help them extend the series on the road. Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to remain out, but if Lillard can help them stay alive, he could return as soon as Game 7. Malik Beasley will likely return to the bench for this game. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (Achilles) questionable Thursday
Thu, May 2, 2024, 6:26 AM
NBA injury report
Damian Lillard (right Achilles Tendinitis) has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable ahead of Thursday's Bucks-Pacers game.
Analysis: Lillard has taken a step toward returning to the hardwood after missing his team's last two games. The Bucks point guard can give his team a big lift if he's healthy enough to play, but it's unclear how much he'll be able to contribute right now. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton, Patrick Beverley probable Thu.
Wed, May 1, 2024, 11:54 AM
NBA injury report
Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) and Patrick Beverley (right oblique muscle strain) are listed as probable for the Bucks' Thursday meeting with the Pacers.
Analysis: Middleton and Beverley were crucial to Milwaukee's Game 5 upset. Middleton scored a game-high 29 points while Beveley chipped in with a game-high 12 assists. Both players will likely carry heavy workloads in Game 6, as Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are doubtful. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (Achilles) doubtful Thursday
Wed, May 1, 2024, 11:46 AM
NBA injury report
Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's meeting between the Bucks and Pacers.
Analysis: Lillard appears set to miss his second consecutive playoff game. Malik Beasley will likely fill in for the star point guard alongside Patrick Beverley. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful Thursday
Wed, May 1, 2024, 11:37 AM
NBA Injury report
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) is listed as doubtful for the Bucks' Game 6 matchup against the Pacers on Thursday.
Analysis: Antetokounmpo isn't likely to make his 2024 playoff debut in Game 6. The Bucks star appears set to watch his team try to compete without him after pulling off an impressive Game 5 upset. Bobby Portis will likely continue starting in his place. |
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Patrick Beverley Patrick Beverely stuffs stat sheet with 13/4/12
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 6:38 PM
Patrick Beverley posted a full line on Tuesday with 13 points (4-of-7 FGs), four rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, one block and one triple against Indiana in Game 5.
Analysis: Pat Bev is known for his defense, but he was able to step up on the offensive end in this one. He had 12 of his 13 points before halftime and switched things up after the break, dishing out 10 of his 12 assists in the third and fourth quarters. Beverley will do his best to keep this team afloat without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it is unlikely that he repeats this level of production. However, if Lillard isn't back for Game 6, they may need him to. |
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Bobby Portis Bobby Portis lights up Pacers with 29/10 line
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 6:31 PM
Bobby Portis lit up the Pacers with 29 points (14-of-24 FGs), 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one triple in Game 5 on Tuesday.
Analysis: After getting ejected early in Game 4, Portis was able to play the entire game on Tuesday. He was able to make up for it with his best performance of the series to help them secure the win and extend the series. He has been fantastic as a starter in place of Giannis Antetokounmpo and has a double-double in every game that he has finished this series. It's unclear if Giannis will be back for Game 6 on Thursday, but if he isn't, Portis will have to continue to be one of their primary scoring options. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton posts 29/12/5 line in Game 5 win
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 6:13 PM
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 29 points (9-of-20 FGs), 12 rebounds, five assists and four triples in a 115-92 win over the Pacers on Tuesday in Game 5.
Analysis: With the Bucks playing without their top two scorers, Khris Middleton stepped up as one of the heroes of Game 5. He and Bobby Portis each scored 29 points to lead the team in scoring and force a Game 6 on Thursday. It is unclear if Damian Lillard and/or Giannis Antetokounmpo will be back, but if they aren't, Middleton will be the primary scoring option once again. He is continuing to deal with a right ankle sprain, but he should continue to keep the Bucks in the fight. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton, Patrick Beverley available Tues.
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 1:51 PM
Jeremiah Johnson on X
Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) and Patrick Beverley (right oblique muscle strain) will play in Game 5 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Both players were initially listed as probable and have officially been cleared to play. Beverley will continue to join Middleton in the starting unit, though he only played 21 minutes in their last game. Doc Rivers also leaned heavily on guys like Andre Jackson Jr., AJ Green and Pat Connaughton off the bench. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard ruled out
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 1:49 PM
Jeremiah Johnson on X
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) and Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) have been ruled out for Game 5 against Indiana on Tuesday.
Analysis: As expected, Milwaukee's two superstars will remain sidelined for Game 5. The Bucks will try to remain alive by securing a home win in this one, with Malik Beasley and Bobby Portis likely to remain in the starting unit. |
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Patrick Beverley Patrick Beverley (oblique) probable Tuesday
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 12:58 PM
NBA injury report
Patrick Beverley (right oblique muscle strain) is listed as probable for the Bucks' Tuesday game against the Pacers.
Analysis: Beverley will likely continue starting at point guard with Damian Lillard listed as doubtful for Game 5. He's struggled to match his Game 1 production against Indiana. |
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Khris Middleton Khris Middleton (ankle) probable Tuesday vs.
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 12:52 PM
NBA injury report
Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) is listed as questionable for the Bucks' Tuesday matchup with the Pacers.
Analysis: Middleton has put together a pair of strong outings since spraining his ankle and will have to carry a heavy offensive workload if Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are ruled out. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (Achilles) doubtful Tuesday
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 12:14 PM
NBA injury report
Damian Lillard (right Achilles tendinitis) is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's Bucks-Pacers game.
Analysis: Lillard missed Game 4 after fighting through his Achilles injury in Game 3. However, the Bucks point guard is on track to miss a second consecutive game. Malik Beasley will likely slide into the starting backcourt if Lillard is ruled out again. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful Tuesday
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 12:10 PM
NBA injury report
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) is listed as doubtful for the Bucks' Tuesday matchup with the Pacers.
Analysis: The Greek Freak appears set to miss a fifth straight playoff game on Tuesday. He's struggled to bounce back from the calf injury he suffered down the home stretch in the regular season. Bobby Portis will likely continue to fill in for him as a starter in Game 5. |
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