AJ

Green

Middleton was initially listed as probable for this game, but now the expectation is that he won’t suit up for the championship game of the NBA Cup. Taurean Prince, Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green will all likely see a few extra minutes in this game with $500k on the line.

There have been nights when Green provides value, and Saturday was one of those occasions. He hit three of his six 3-point attempts, reaching double figures in scoring for the sixth time this season. With Andre Jackson Jr. (two points, nine rebounds in 26 minutes) not providing much offensive value as a starter, Green has opportunities to contribute off the bench. He still isn’t worth rostering in fantasy leagues, but all it takes is an injury to make Green worth the risk as a deep-league streamer.

While Antetokounmpo has played through the patella injury most nights, he was held out of Tuesday’s win over Miami. That gave him six days to recover, and it appears likely that Milwaukee will have its star forward on the court Saturday night. AJ Green will return to the bench, where he offers minimal fantasy value.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) was ruled out shortly before tipoff, which allowed Green to slide into the starting lineup. He was quiet for most of the night, but he hit back-to-back 3-pointers with about three minutes left in the game, which allowed the Bucks to maintain their late lead. Green isn’t going to contribute much more than triples when he gets the chance to start, but he is certainly capable of getting hot and making a big impact in that regard.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a late scratch, and Doc Rivers will roll out a smaller starting unit to match up better with Miami. Bobby Portis should still play a significant role off the bench, but Green may be able to provide a handful of 3-pointers as part of the starting unit.

All three players will be available for this game, and while both Giannis and Green were probable, Portis was initially deemed doubtful. However, reports from the team’s PR team indicate that he will be available. It’s unclear if he’ll see his usual workload, but he should play a large role off the bench. Green has started the team’s last two games and may retain that role in this matchup.

Ryan Rollins (shoulder) joins Lillard and Portis on the injury report, and the Bucks will be sorely shorthanded against Charlotte. AJ Green and Delon Wright should continue to hold things down in Milwaukee’s backcourt, and Taurean Prince and Pat Connaughton could see more playing time with Portis presumably sidelined.

Make it two games on the sideline for Trent, who lost his spot in the starting lineup to Andre Jackson Jr. before the back injury. Trent’s absence means more time off the bench for fellow reserve AJ Green, who is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Making his second straight start, Jackson did not begin the third quarter on the floor due to a hip pointer suffered during the first half. He played two minutes in the fourth, but that isn’t enough time to do much. AJ Green (nine points and three 3-pointers in 26 minutes) started the third quarter and could be in the mix to start if Jackson is not available for Sunday’s game against the Celtics. Another option is Gary Trent Jr., provided he’s available after not playing on Friday.

Demoted to the bench ahead of Thursday’s win over the Jazz, Trent will not play on Friday. Andre Jackson Jr.'s status as the starter will not be impacted, but there may be a few more minutes available to AJ Green off the bench. He isn’t worth streaming.