Pat

Connaughton

Connaughton played in Monday’s loss to the Cavaliers but did not offer much fantasy value, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo unavailable. He’ll be in the rotation but is not worth the risk in most leagues. As for Beauchamp, he isn’t guaranteed to be in the rotation, regardless of Antetokounmpo’s availability.

The 1-5 Bucks will need all the help they can get without Giannis Antetokounmpo against the undefeated Cavaliers. Connaughton will only play 15-20 minutes off the bench in a game where the Bucks figure to run things primarily through Damian Lillard.

After playing between 15 and 21 minutes in Milwaukee’s first five games, Connaughton was limited to 10 in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. His availability won’t significantly impact fantasy basketball, but an absence would result in more minutes for AJ Green.

Lillard, who has been dealing with Achilles soreness for a few weeks, aggravated the issue during Friday’s Game 3 defeat. Unfortunately, he continued to struggle with the injury, ultimately being used as a decoy during the overtime period. In addition to being doubtful for Game 4, Lillard was seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot. Malik Beasley, Pat Connaughton, and AJ Green would be in play for additional minutes if he cannot play.

Middleton returned from a leg injury in Game 2 and is set to suit up despite not practicing on Thursday. Pat Connaughton will likely get an extended run if Middleton struggles.

Middleton was able to play 36 minutes in Game 2 despite injuring his ankle in the first quarter. However, Doc Rivers said that there is “a little” concern about Middleton’s availability for Game 3. If he is forced to sit out, Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley and Pat Connaughton should all have to take on extra minutes.

Lillard’s absence isn’t surprising considering he received a doubtful tag on Thursday. In his absence, Milwaukee will likely employ a platoon approach to fill his vacated minutes. Patrick Beverley, Pat Connaughton, Malik Beasley and Khris Middleton are all candidates for additional minutes. With Giannis Antetokounmpo also out of action, it’s all hands on deck for Milwaukee, as the team battles for playoff position.

Middleton will sit out the second night of the back-to-back, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to the managers that have him rostered. Pat Connaughton started in his place the last time he missed a game, but with Malik Beasley coming off the bench in favor of Patrick Beverley in their last game, he could make a return to the starting unit. Regardless of who starts, but wings will take on extra minutes.

Considered questionable on the initial injury report, Beverley is trending toward not playing on Friday. With Damian Lillard (groin) available, his return would have dropped PatBev to the bench. Pat Connaughton and AJ Green are worth a look in deep leagues, but neither is a must-add with Lillard playing.

Lillard will return to Milwaukee’s lineup after three games on the sidelines, which means Pat Connaughton should shift back to a bench role. Lillard posted a monster 37/4/13/2 line in his last matchup with the Raptors back on November 15.