The Milwaukee Bucks will have to face the Chicago Bulls tonight without their dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Both All-Stars were ruled out for Monday’s matchup due to non-COVID related illnesses, the team announced.
This comes on the heels of the Bucks’ thrilling NBA Cup championship victory last week in Las Vegas. However, it appears the celebration may have taken a toll, as several Bucks players and staff members are reportedly feeling under the weather.
In addition to their superstar tandem, Milwaukee will also be missing promising youngsters AJ Johnson and Chris Livingston. The team clearly prioritized rest and recovery for their ailing players with a grueling stretch of the regular season still to come.
Lillard’s Lingering Calf Issues
For Damian Lillard, this absence extends beyond just illness. The star guard hasn’t suited up since the Bucks captured the NBA Cup last Tuesday, having now missed three straight games.
Lillard admitted he felt some discomfort in his right calf during the NBA Cup semifinals against the Hawks. While he managed to play through it in the championship game, the Bucks are wisely erring on the side of caution with their prized offseason acquisition.
“I felt it tighten up on me a bit in that Atlanta game, but there was no way I was sitting out the title game. We had to finish the job. Now it’s about being smart and making sure I’m 100% for when it really counts.”
– Damian Lillard on his calf injury
The early season schedule affords some leeway, but Lillard’s injury history will be something to monitor closely. The Bucks have championship aspirations and can’t afford to be without their electric point guard for extended stretches.
Giannis Rests After NBA Cup Heroics
On the Giannis front, his absence seems more precautionary than anything. The Greek Freak was utterly dominant in the NBA Cup, averaging 35.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists over the six games.
After a short summer following his championship run and MVP campaign last season, it’s no surprise the Bucks are proactively managing Antetokounmpo’s workload. They’ll need their best player fresh and healthy for the playoff push.
Giannis did go through shootaround with the team on Monday morning and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded. The perennial MVP candidate also sat out Saturday’s win over the Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back.
Next Man Up Mentality
With their stars sidelined, the Bucks will lean on their impressive depth to try to get past a feisty Bulls squad. Khris Middleton’s return helps matters immensely, as the three-time All-Star is expected to play in his third straight game after missing the NBA Cup run with an ankle injury.
Middleton’s shotmaking and playmaking abilities will be vital in Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s absence. Look for him to take on an increased offensive burden alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt.
Big men Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis will also be asked to step up down low to combat Chicago’s imposing frontline of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. Lopez was incredible defensively during the NBA Cup and will need to anchor Milwaukee’s interior once again.
Winnable Test for the Bulls
For Chicago, this is a prime opportunity to score a statement win over a title contender, even if they are undermanned. They get the Bucks on the second end of a back-to-back and now without their two best players.
Still, beating Milwaukee is never an easy task, especially given how connected and suffocating they are defensively. Even with reserves seeing extended run, the Bucks play with physicality, discipline and unmatched effort under coach Mike Budenholzer.
To come out on top, the Bulls will need big games from DeRozan, Vucevic and Zach LaVine. They have the talent to exploit a thinned out Bucks rotation if their shot-making and offensive execution is sharp.
“Going against Milwaukee, you know it’s going to be a battle, no matter who is out there. Sure those guys (Giannis and Lillard) are irreplaceable, but they still play so hard and smart. We have to match that intensity and play our game.”
– DeMar DeRozan on facing the shorthanded Bucks
The Road Ahead
For the Bucks, these injury concerns are likely just a small speed bump in the marathon that is the NBA season. They showed what they are capable of in the NBA Cup and have the star power and depth to be playing deep into the summer.
The priority now is getting healthy and forming chemistry with Lillard in the fold. There will surely be some growing pains as they integrate a player of his caliber, but Milwaukee has all the makings of a juggernaut when firing on all cylinders.
- The Bucks are 2nd in net rating and 4th in points allowed so far this season
- Damian Lillard is averaging 26.2 points and 7.3 assists on 45.5% shooting in his first 7 games as a Buck
Antetokounmpo and Lillard’s availability will be something to watch going forward, but there’s no reason to panic this early in the year. If they can enter the playoffs healthy with home court advantage, they’ll take their chances against anyone.
As for Chicago, a win tonight could vault them back into the playoff picture after an uneven start. With Ball’s return on the horizon, the Bulls may be finding their stride at just the right time.
But first comes a measuring stick game against the NBA Cup champs. It’s only November, but every win matters in a loaded Eastern Conference. We’ll see if Chicago can rise to the occasion at United Center.
