Khris Middleton is out, so what's the Bucks' probable starting lineup vs. Pistons?
The Milwaukee Bucks (4-2) host the Detroit Pistons (2-6) at Fiserv Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday. It's the first game of a back-to-back, as the Bucks head to Indianapolis Thursday to play the Pacers.
Khris Middleton out with injury management
For the second time this season, the Bucks held Middleton out of the first game of a back-to-back with right knee injury management. He also missed the Oct. 29 game against Atlanta before returning Oct. 30 against Miami. Middleton finally crossed the 20-minute threshold against New York on Nov. 3.
Middleton's planned absence against the Pistons didn't require prior league approval, even though Middleton is considered a "star player" under the league's new player participation policy. The Bucks and Pistons game isn't a nationally televised broadcast and the Bucks' other two stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, are playing.
Bucks injury report
Khris Middleton, out (right knee injury management)
Is Giannis playing?
It appears so. The Bucks' star has yet to miss a game this season and doesn't appear to be in need of rest on the front end of this back-to-back.
Bucks probable starting lineup
Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jae Crowder
Center: Brook Lopez
Crowder started in place of Middleton during the preseason and also drew the starting nod against Atlanta on Oct. 29. Interestingly, that was his worst offensive showing of the season (1-for-4 from the floor overall, 0-for-3 from behind the three-point line). In six games, the 33-year-old Marquette University alumnus is shooting 52% from behind the three-point line in about 26 minutes per game.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks' Khris Middleton is out; who are probable starters vs. Pistons?
