Milwaukee

Bucks

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers had some interesting comments before Wednesday’s game, saying that Turner was not under a minutes restriction in his first games back from a calf strain. He played 24 minutes against the shorthanded Cavaliers, while Jericho Sims (11 points, 11 rebounds and two assists) played 29 off the bench. Rebounding may have had more to do with the minutes split than Turner’s recent calf strain, as Sims offers more production in that area. There’s no need to add Sims yet, and those who have Turner rostered are likely stuck at this point in the season. But this is a situation that merits watching.

Milwaukee’s starting backcourt of Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. was excellent in the team’s home wins over Miami and Cleveland to begin Week 18. Rollins’ nine assists on Wednesday were the most in a game for him since February 3, when he recorded ten in a win over the Bulls. And over the past month, Rollins has provided second-round per-game value in eight-cat formats. He should be rostered in more than 65 percent of Yahoo! leagues, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) still out.

After dropping 32 points and a robust stat line in Tuesday’s win over the Heat, Porter produced another excellent performance in Wednesday’s win over Cleveland. Over the past month, the Bucks’ guard has been a top-5 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Rostered in 77 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Porter should be picked up in any shallow league where he remains available.

Portis entered Tuesday’s game in a bit of a slump from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-13 over his prior four games. He was a lot better against the Heat, shooting 5-of-10 on the night and contributing 21 points off the bench. Fantasy managers would have hoped to get more from Portis in the rebounding category, but he’s usually been solid in that area. The Bucks will need a similar performance from him on Wednesday when they host the surging Cavaliers.

Kuzma got off to a good start on Tuesday, shooting 4-of-7 from the field. Unfortunately for those who have him rostered, the Bucks’ forward cooled off after halftime, and there was also a trip to the locker room with an unspecified injury. Kuzma played 25 minutes, with Bobby Portis scoring 21 points and Ousmane Dieng (11/6/1/2 with three three-pointers) having a good night off the bench. Kuzma’s fantasy value hasn’t been great, but his status as a starter makes him a player worth holding onto in deep leagues.

Rollins had an excellent fourth quarter, shooting 3-of-4 from the field and recording three assists as the Bucks outscored Miami by a 39-24 margin. The partnership between him and Kevin Porter Jr. has been excellent for fantasy managers since the latter returned to the lineup on February 4. Since that date, Rollins has been a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Rollins is rostered in 64 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is too low, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) still out.

After recording an efficient double-double in Sunday’s loss to the Raptors, Porter produced another excellent stat line on Tuesday. He matched his season-high with 32 points, having recorded his last 30-point game in a December 6 loss to the Pistons. Add in the rebounds, assists and “stocks,” with KPJ also producing excellent percentages, and this was an excellent night to have him rostered. The Bucks, who remain without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), play three more games in Week 18, starting with the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Turner was back in the Bucks’ lineup after a two-game absence due to a strained calf. While no official number was provided beforehand, Turner played 25 minutes against the Raptors. He shot the ball well, but the overall stat line was a bit lean. Jericho Sims (four points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block) moved to the bench, logging 25 minutes. He isn’t a player who should be held onto in most leagues, but Sims will have opportunities as long as Turner’s playing time is restricted.

Rollins didn’t have the best game shooting the basketball, but he did record a complete stat line on Sunday. The Bucks guard continues to provide excellent fantasy value, threatening the top-50 in nine-cat formats while cracking that threshold in eight-cat. Like Kevin Porter Jr., Rollins will continue to benefit from increased usage as long as the Bucks are without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While the Bucks’ poor play in the second and third quarters did them in on Sunday, Porter’s performance was excellent as far as fantasy basketball is concerned. He was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, committing one turnover while recording his eighth double-double of the season. As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is out, Porter will boast a higher fantasy ceiling. Milwaukee plays four games in Week 18, starting with the Heat on Tuesday.