Tue Dec 24 00:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Bucks Face Bulls Without Antetokounmpo and Lillard

**CHICAGO (AP)** — The Milwaukee Bucks faced the Chicago Bulls on Monday night without two key players: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo missed his second straight game due to back spasms, his fourth absence of the season. While he participated in the pre-game shootaround, he was ultimately ruled out. Lillard, meanwhile, sat out his third consecutive game, this time with a non-COVID illness. His previous two absences were due to a strained right calf, which coach Doc Rivers described as “much better.” Rivers stated that Lillard simply didn’t feel well enough to play.

Khris Middleton, however, returned to the lineup after playing in the team’s previous two games, contributing 18 points, eight assists, and six rebounds against Washington in his best performance since returning from offseason ankle surgery.

Despite their early-season struggles (2-8 start), the Bucks entered the game on a 14-18 run, including a victory in the NBA Cup final against Oklahoma City (which doesn’t count toward their regular season record). Coach Rivers attributed the team’s turnaround to finding the right player combinations, focusing on defense, and improved offensive efficiency.

Read More