ImpactIbaka hasn't played since Nov. 21 due to a non-COVID illness. However, he may not have a significant role Saturday, as he played just four and seven minutes in his last two appearances.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Serge Ibaka - Likely to return SaturdayIbaka (illness) is probable to play in Saturday's matchup with the Jazz, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
Jrue Holiday - Upgraded to probableHoliday (illness) is likely to play in Saturday's game against Utah, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
ImpactHoliday has missed a pair of contests due to a non-COVID illness but is expected to return to the hardwood Saturday. With Khris Middleton (knee) already ruled out, Holiday will enter the contest as the Bucks' second offensive option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Khris Middleton - Sitting out SaturdayMiddleton will not play Saturday versus the Jazz due to right knee soreness.
ImpactMiddleton hasn't had recent issues regarding his knee, so this is another problem area worth monitoring. He hasn't been particularly efficient shooting the ball of late either, so it's also possible his absence is simply a night off to reset his mindset. Either way, Middleton's next opportunity to take the floor comes Monday against the Pelicans. Jevon Carter, Pat Connaughton and Wesley Matthews could be among the candidates to acquire some of Middleton's vacated minutes.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Jayson Tatum & Giannis Antetokounmpo sit atop first MVP straw poll in 2022-23 | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Khris Middleton - Poor efficiency in lossMiddleton accumulated three points (1-12 FG, 1-8 3Pt), two rebounds, five assists and one steal over 22 minutes during Thursday's 142-101 loss to the Grizzlies.
ImpactMiddleton continues to struggle after returning from his wrist injury. The 31-year-old forward also picked up five fouls in his limited minutes during Thursday's blowout loss. Middleton may take some time to get back into the swing of things, as he is averaging 11.1 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds on a 32.5 field-goal percentage and 26.8 three-point percentage in 24.4 minutes across seven games since retaking the court.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Brook Lopez - Ugly output versus GrizzliesLopez posted four points (1-6 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist across 18 minutes during Thursday's 142-101 loss to the Grizzlies.
ImpactLopez and the rest of the Bucks' starters were pulled early in the blowout loss, with Lopez contributing just four points on poor efficiency. It marks the fourth straight game Lopez has finished with seven or fewer points, and Lopez may continue on that path with Khris Middleton firmly back in the mix. Lopez has provided a ton of fantasy value thanks to his block count thus far, but he'll need to continue contributing on that front to maintain value if his scoring wanes.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Shooting struggles continueAntetokounmpo ended with 19 points (5-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 8-13 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one steal in 26 minutes during Thursday's 142-101 loss to the Grizzlies.
ImpactAntetokounmpo played a season-low in minutes Thursday as the Bucks suffered a blowout loss. The two-time MVP is now shooting 21-of-56 from the field, 2-of-11 from three, and 21-of-36 from the free-throw line over his last three games. Fantasy managers shouldn't panic, as Antetokounmpo still ranks fourth in points, fifth in rebounding, and 30th in assists per contest.
DECEMBER 16, 2022•ROTOWIRE
