Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA's leading scorer, will miss his fourth consecutive game as the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to face the Chicago Bulls. Coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Antetokounmpo, who has been battling a non-Covid illness after previously missing games due to back spasms, traveled with the team but was sent back to Milwaukee for recovery. Rivers noted that the star player was not fit enough to participate in the game, indicating the illness has taken a toll on him.
Despite the absence of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are set to welcome back star guard Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined due to a respiratory illness and a right calf strain. Lillard, an eight-time All-Star, is expected to play without restrictions, although Rivers mentioned he would monitor the 34-year-old closely given the recent health concerns affecting several players.
The Bulls, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost three straight games. They will be without guard Ayo Dosunmu, who is dealing with a strained right calf and will be reevaluated in ten days following an injury sustained during a previous game against the Bucks. Coach Billy Donovan announced that guards Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball, along with forward Matas Buzelis, are set to return for the matchup, while forward Jalen Smith will remain out due to an ankle injury.
