Copeland will come off the bench Friday against the Wizards.

EDGE Analysis

Copeland started at power forward in the season opener Wednesday, but Johnny O'Bryant has earned the start Friday in Copeland's place. Giannis Antetokounmpo will return after serving his one game suspension, which will limit Copeland's role even further. As a backup, Copeland could provide value as one of the Bucks' go-to three-point shooters.

Copeland will start at power forward Wednesday for Milwaukee against New York.

EDGE Analysis

Copeland will start in the season opener for the Bucks due to Giannis Antetokounmpo serving a one game suspension and Jabari Parker (knee) still working his way back from an ACL tear. Copeland will likely see a significant amount of minutes Wednesday before being returned to his role as a backup when Antetokounmpo returns Friday.

Copeland could be used in the starting lineup when the Bucks open the regular season next Wednesday against the Knicks, Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Giannis Antetokounmpo set to serve a one-game suspension to kick off the season and Jabari Parker (knee) presumably unavailable as he works his way back from a torn ACL, Copeland is the leading candidate to take the reins at the power forward spot, with his ability to knock down shots from deep giving the Bucks some decent floor spacing. Coach Jason Kidd plans to use Copeland as a starter in Friday's exhibition finale against the Timberwolves before locking him into a starting role for the opener, but all signs point to the free-agent pickup getting the nod at power forward. However, the starting appointment will likely be short-lived, as Antetokounmpo is expected to slot in at power forward after the suspension is completed, which will push Copeland back to a bench role.

Copeland poured in 16 points (5-13 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 4-6 FT), two assists, and six rebounds over 27 minutes in Saturday's 105-101 loss to the Wizards.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran took the court as a Buck for the first time Saturday after missing extended time with a personal issue and made a positive impression, particularly with his active presence on the boards. Copeland's biggest roadblock to a spot on the final roster at this time is likely his delayed start to the exhibition season, although his ability to back up both forward spots and provide some occasional offensive punch and long-range shooting work in his favor. Copeland is likely to get extended minutes over the Bucks' final pair of preseason contests in order to better assess his potential role in the 2015-16 campaign.

Copeland returned to practice Thursday, CF Gardner of the Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Copeland had been away from the Bucks for a week due to a family issue, but he was back at practice Thursday and will presumably be available for Saturday's preseason matchup with the Wizards. The veteran will compete for minutes off the bench and could see increased run if Jabari Parker (knee) misses any time to begin the season.

Copeland (personal) will not play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Cavaliers, Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Copeland will miss his third straight game while he remains away from the team to attend to a family situation. It's not clear if the personal matter will keep Copeland unavailable for the start of the season, but even if he returns before camp concludes, he may have a difficult time cracking coach Jason Kidd's rotation right away.

Free-agent forward Chris Copeland verbally agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, according to the team's official website. Copeland averaged 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 50 appearances for the Indiana Pacers last season.

Copeland averaged 6.2 points (36% FG, 31% 3Pt, 73% FT), 1.0 assist, 2.2 rebounds, 0.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 17 minutes per game during 50 regular season games in 2014-15. He underwent abdomen and left elbow surgery after being stabbed outside a nightclub in New York City in April. The 31-year-old small forward is an unrestricted free agent entering the offseason. Copeland started off the season on a hot streak averaging 12.3 points, 2.1 three-pointers, 1.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 0.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 29 minutes over the first 17 games. His value took a tumble in December, though, as coach Frank Vogel benched Copeland in favor of the more consistent C.J. Miles. Copeland proceeded to have essentially no playing time through the rest of the year as his minutes fell from December onward. The small forward suffered a scare in April when he and his ex-fiancee were attacked outside of a nightclub in the early morning, and he had to undergo season-ending surgery from the injuries he sustained. In standard leagues, Copeland will likely go undrafted next season, and there's the possibility he goes back overseas to play basketball.

Copeland will require left elbow surgery after he was stabbed outside a New York nightclub early Wednesday, Jared Zwerling of NBA TV reports. Copeland, who was with his wife and a female friend, was stabbed in the abdomen following an argument, per ESPN.com, and it appears he broke his elbow while falling to the ground. The injury is expected to end his season, but both the player and the Pacers organization are likely just relieved he and his companions didn't suffer any life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack. Copeland is averaging 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds over 50 games with the Pacers this season.

Copeland and his wife were both stabbed outside a club in New York City early Wednesday morning, the New York Daily News reports. The Pacers had been in New York preparing to play the Knicks, Copeland's former team. Atlanta Hawks Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha were both arrested as well at the incident, reportedly on charges of obstructing justice. There's currently no update on Copeland's condition at this time.