MILWAUKEE — With the team on a six-game losing streak, the Bucks made a change to their starting lineup, inserting second-year wing Andre Jackson to replace Gary Trent Jr.
Jackson, who turns 23 years old next week, will make his first start of the season. He has seen his minutes increase steadily since the start of the season, from playing in just one minute of garbage time through the first two games to a season-high 24:55 on Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“We keep looking for that position just to be a good role player,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said prior to Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
“[We want Andre to] just be an athlete. Be quick to the ball. Defend, understand your role.”
Rivers did not commit to the lineup change long term, but said he made the shift to help Trent snap out of his early-season skid. After signing a veteran minimum deal with Milwaukee this offseason, Trent has struggled in his first seven games, shooting 28% from the field and 23% from 3.
“I’m just trying to give him room to breathe,” Rivers said. “And get out of his little thing because I know he will.”
In other team news, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to Milwaukee’s lineup Thursday after missing a game with a right adductor strain. The Bucks’ injury report had listed Antetokounmpo as questionable.
Milwaukee entered Thursday’s contest with a 1-6 record, tied for the worst in the NBA along with the Philadelphia 76ers and Jazz.
