12/24/2024, 8:07 AM

Scores efficient 21 points in win

Lopez matched teammate Khris Middleton with a game-high 21 points during an efficient shooting display Monday, but the former wasn't a particularly active presence on the boards or the defensive end. Lopez had scored in single digits in all of his first five games of December, but he's gotten back in double figures in each of his past four outings, a period in which he's averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 blocks and 2.5 three-pointers. The veteran big man's shooting can be streaky, and his role on offense can fluctuate when Milwaukee's roster is fully healthy, but Lopez should remain a steady force when it comes to threes and swats while locked into a starting role at center for the Bucks.

12/24/2024, 7:03 AM

Encouraging effort Monday

This was an encouraging display for Wright, who had played just 12.7 minutes per game over his prior seven games for the Bucks. The 32-year-old guard is shooting a career-low 31.3 percent from the floor covering 21 appearances this season, so even though he notched a season-high nine points off the bench Monday, Wright doesn't appear to be the most attractive streaming option for fantasy managers in Damian Lillard's (illness) short-term absence.

12/24/2024, 7:01 AM

Strong performance in win

It was another strong performance for Middleton, who stepped up with a season-high 21 points Monday in the absence of superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) and Damian Lillard (illness). Middleton appears to be slowly rounding into form following offseason ankle surgeries that cost him 21 games to begin the year, as he's now averaging an efficient 17.7 points, 5.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers in 22.0 minutes over his past three games while shooting 51.2 percent from the floor during this period. The veteran forward would figure to take on additional usage if one or both of Antetokounmpo and Lillard remain out for Thursday's matchup with the Nets.