Damian Lillard (illness) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (back spasms) each missed multiple games for the Bucks.

CHICAGO (AP) – The Milwaukee Bucks were left without two of their biggest stars as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard missed Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Antetokounmpo missed his second straight game because of back spasms and his fourth game overall this season. The two-time MVP took part in the pregame shootaround before the Bucks ruled him out.

Lillard missed his third straight game – this time due to a non-COVID illness. The eight-time All-Star sat out the previous two games with a right calf strain, which coach Doc Rivers described as “much better.”

As for Antetokounmpo?

“He just needed to feel better, but he didn’t, so we just sat him down,” Rivers said.

Khris Middleton was available after playing in a loss at Cleveland and a win against Washington on Friday and Saturday. He had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds against the Wizards, marking his best performance since missing the first 21 games following offseason surgery on both ankles.
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The Bucks had won 14 of 18 games, including their NBA Cup Final victory in Oklahoma City, and entered the game in Chicago after a 2-8 start. The cup final does not count towards the balance of the regular season.

“I don’t think this team was ever impressed,” Rivers said. “We believe we will be a good team. As a coaching team we had to find the right combinations and we were looking for them. Our guys had to join our defense. We completely overhauled our defense and that helps when the ball goes in.”