With a strong contest from Kyle Kuzma, Middleton missed the off-balance 3-pointer that would have tied the game, just as Antetokounmpo — for the first time in his NBA career — had hoped and Milwaukee pulled out a 104-101 victory over Washington. The Bucks’ third consecutive win moved them within a half-game of the Pacers for the East’s No. 4 seed.

Middleton has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Bucks. Middleton will make his Wizards debut Friday against the team that shipped him to Washington before the NBA trade deadline. The veteran sharpshooter hasn't played since Feb.

Lillard (hamstring) produced 15 points (2-12 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 9-10 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals across 33 minutes during Thursday's 116-110 win over the Clippers. After missing the Bucks' final game before the All-Star break Feb.

Milwaukee knocked off the Clippers on Thursday, offering a glimpse of what it can accomplish down the stretch of the season.