UPDATE: We saw both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe get back into the lineup Monday night in an easy win over the Bulls. The Greek Freak put up his usual stat line: 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists in 27 minutes. Bledsoe had a minutes restriction, but it didn’t hamper his performance much. He scored 15 points on 5-8 shooting with four steals and three assists in just 16 minutes. It was a blowout 123-102 win, so we saw extensive work from the bench crew. Bledsoe wasn’t needed for much, so we may not see him playing around 30+ minutes until the Bucks play a competitive game.
UPDATE: Giannis and Bledsoe will both start vs. the Bulls. The Greek Freak won’t be on a minutes limit, while Bledsoe will have his minutes monitored. Bledsoe isn’t really a viable DFS play, but will have low ownership. Giannis is fine to roll out in all formats.
UPDATE: Both Giannis and Bledsoe are listed as available to play on the NBA’s early injury report Monday. While Bledsoe is back, Wes Matthews is listed as out with a thigh injury, so the back court should look like Bledsoe and DiVincenzo. Giannis’ return means Ilyasova goes back to a bench role and isn’t really a viable play anymore. I don’t mind DiVincenzo and George Hill given the void left by Matthews at SG.
Milwaukee Bucks SF/PF Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable to play Monday vs. the Chicago Bulls. PG Eric Bledsoe is probable. Giannis has been dealing with a sore back for the past couple games and could miss his third straight game for Milwaukee. The good news is that Bledsoe appears ready to return to the lineup after missing eight games due to a leg injury.
Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Milwaukee Bucks
So if Giannis remains out, we should see Ersan Ilyasova start again in his place. I would say Ilyasova is an attractive play, but the Bulls aren’t a tough opponent, though Chicago does play decent defense. Khris Middleton will continue to be a solid overall play on DraftKings if Giannis remains out — even with Bledsoe back. Bledsoe being back — depending on if he’s restricted at all — doesn’t bode well for the Bulls’ guards, most notably Zach LaVine. Bledsoe is an elite defender when he’s 100%. We’ll have to wait and see if Bledsoe will have a minutes restriction, but we should see Donte DiVincenzo go back to the bench, while George Hill may also see a reduced role.