The Milwaukee Bucks have been without starting center Brook Lopez since opening night. Lopez played 28 minutes in the opener and hasn't played since, due to a back injury.

Lopez underwent surgery for the injury in early-December, but the Bucks have hope he may return before the end of the regular season. Head coach Mike Budenholzer said the team has received positive reports on Lopez's recovery from rechecks in Los Angeles.

Milwaukee has primarily started Bobby Portis at the five in Lopez's absence. The Bucks are known to be looking for another big on the trade market before Thursday's deadline.