Ousmane

Dieng

Acquired at the February trade deadline, Dieng appeared in 30 games for the Bucks last season, starting 20. In those appearances, the 2022 lottery pick averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 three-pointers in 26.8 minutes, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the foul line. With Giannis Antetokounmpo no longer in the picture, Dieng will look to grab a bigger role for himself, and he’s a late-round option in most fantasy league drafts.

While Portis remains out for an 11th consecutive game, Kuzma played 21 minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over the Nets. Taurean Prince and Ousmane Dieng will have added importance within the Bucks’ rotation, and there may be more minutes available to Andre Jackson Jr. off the bench.

Less than two weeks removed from reaching double figures in assists for the first time as a pro, Dieng did it again on Friday. The 12 helpers are a new career-high for the 22-year-old, who is getting the opportunities in Milwaukee that were rarely available when he was with the Thunder. Dieng’s ability to facilitate may have boosted his value within the Bucks’ front office, which is key since he’ll be a restricted free agent this summer.

Rollins recently missed time with a strained right hip, but he was not on the injury report for Friday’s game. Now that he is, the Bucks could slot Pete Nance back into the lineup if Rollins doesn’t play. His absence would also free up additional playmaking opportunities for Ousmane Dieng, AJ Green and Taurean Prince.

Antetokounmpo will remain out for another game, and fans may have seen him play for the final time this season. Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance have played increased minutes recently, with the former offering a higher ceiling for those in active fantasy leagues.

One of the few positives for the Bucks this season may have been their acquisition of Dieng at the trade deadline. When allowed to play extended minutes, the 2022 lottery pick has been productive more often than not. Dieng did not record any defensive stats against the Pistons, but he shot 4-of-8 from three and offered solid production in the assist category. He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer, and his future in Milwaukee may be affected by what the franchise does with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Turner and Kuzma are back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets, which was Milwaukee’s second game in as many nights. Their returns will push Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance to the bench, but both should continue to play rotation minutes due to the Bucks’ many injuries.

Dieng was Milwaukee’s highest scorer on Wednesday. In 45 minutes of game action, he took over one-third of the Bucks’ field goal attempts, secured a career-high in points, and nearly tallied a triple-double in the process. Dieng has been playing well since being traded to Milwaukee ahead of February’s trade deadline. He provided great value against the Rockets for whichever fantasy managers had him in their lineup.

The Bucks are down several rotation players for Wednesday’s game, which is the team’s second in as many nights. Green, Dieng and Nance are in the starting lineup, filling in for Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner.

Turner will be sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back, which should allow Jericho Sims to get the start at center. Sims has been starting alongside turner, so Pete Nance and Ousmane Dieng should enter the starting unit, with Kyle Kuzma (Achilles) sidelined as well.