Damian Lillard

With Damian Lillard (calf) out, Bucks coach Doc Rivers started Green instead of another point guard (Delon Wright). That approach backfired spectacularly, with Green struggling in 17 minutes on the court. Wright (two points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 17 minutes) started the third quarter, but the damage was done by then. Saturday's matchup with the Wizards should be better for Milwaukee, whether Lillard plays or not.

After scoring 11 points in his first two appearances of the season, Middleton scored six on 2-of-9 shooting in the two games that followed. Accuracy remains an issue, but the Bucks forward was more active as a scorer on Friday. Middleton established season-highs in points and shot attempts as Milwaukee was without Damian Lillard (calf). With the Bucks hosting the Wizards on Saturday, fantasy managers with Middleton rostered should plan for him to sit that out.

With Damian Lillard (calf) sidelined, Green will fill the void in the starting lineup. An effective perimeter shooter, the role change allows Green to do more regarding playmaking. Look for Delon Wright to play rotation minutes off the bench due to the lack of a true point guard.

Antetokounmpo and Middleton were initially probable for Friday's game, so the status upgrades were expected. With Damian Lillard (calf) sidelined, Giannis will have more room to assert himself offensively. As for Middleton, his role is unlikely to change much as the Bucks slowly bring him back from offseason surgery on both ankles.

Dame will miss a game for the first time in about a month. The last time he was sidelined, Delon Wright got the start at point guard. If that happens again, Wright should be a solid source of assists and steals. This is the first night of a back-to-back, so Lillard could be back against Washington on Friday.