The Chicago Bulls ruled out All-Star Zach LaVine and fellow guard Alex Caruso for Wednesday’s Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
LaVine is in health and safety protocol, while Caruso remains in concussion protocol.
The Bulls are looking to stave off elimination against the Bucks, who hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
LaVine, 27, is averaging 19.3 points, 6.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds through four games in the series against the reigning NBA champions. He scored a team-high 24 points in Sunday’s 119-95 loss in Game 3.
He averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 67 games (all starts) during the regular season, earning his second straight All-Star selection.
Caruso, 28, is in the concussion protocol after taking an inadvertent hit to the face from Jevon Carter in Sunday’s game.
He is averaging 6.3 points, 4.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds in four games during the series.
Coby White and rookie Ayo Dosunmu likely will see an increase in playing time in place of LaVine and Caruso.
The Bulls are still without their primary point guard, Lonzo Ball, who missed half of the season due to a knee injury that required surgery.
–Field Level Media