CHICAGO — The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, but they will do so without their leading scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo for the fourth consecutive game. While Antetokounmpo traveled with the team to Chicago, he was sent back to Milwaukee due to a non-COVID-related illness. This comes after he previously missed two games due to back spasms. Coach Doc Rivers stated that Antetokounmpo was “not good enough to play,” emphasizing the player’s need to rest and recover. Antetokounmpo has been putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 32.7 points per game.

On a positive note for the Bucks, star guard Damian Lillard is expected to return to action after missing two games with a respiratory illness. Lillard had previously sat out two additional games because of a right calf strain. Rivers indicated that Lillard’s condition would be closely monitored during the game, but there would be no restrictions on his playtime. Lillard is currently averaging 25.7 points per game, demonstrating his importance to the team.

Rivers also expressed concern about the health issues affecting many players, noting the varying impacts of the illness that has been circulating. “I don’t know what this thing is going around,” he said. “But a lot of people have had it, and everyone has a different take on it.”

For the Bulls, the situation isn’t ideal either, as they will be without guard Ayo Dosunmu for the time being. Dosunmu is dealing with a strained right calf and is set to be reevaluated in ten days following his injury during a recent loss to the Bucks. The Bulls have lost their last three games and will aim to rebound against Milwaukee.

However, there is some good news for Chicago as coach Billy Donovan announced that guards Josh Giddey, who is recovering from a right ankle issue, and Lonzo Ball, who had been ill, will return on Saturday. Additionally, forward Matas Buzelis, who also faced health problems, is set to rejoin the lineup. Unfortunately for the Bulls, forward Jalen Smith will miss the game due to a left ankle injury.