Technically speaking, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is not injured. However, he still won’t be available on Monday night when the Bucks host the Utah Jazz at the Fiserv Forum.
Lillard is currently dealing with an undisclosed personal matter which will force him to miss his third game this season. Without their superstar point guard in the mix, the rest of the squad will need to work extra hard as they look to get back to winning ways on Monday against Utah.
Malik Beasley Speaks Out on Damian Lillard’s Absence for Milwaukee Bucks
Malik Beasley will be without his backcourt partner against the Jazz. Beasley conceded that Lillard’s services will be missed, but at the same time, the former is confident that the Bucks will still manage with Dame sidelined:
“I mean, we’re still a great team,” Beasley said. “Of course, we miss those guys but we’ll be able to figure it out. Giannis at the point, [Andre Jackson Jr.], me, [Pat Connaughton]. If we’re getting stops and pushing in transition we won’t have to worry about it too much. So we’re gonna try to figure it out and pull out a win at home.”
"If we're getting stops and pushing in transition we won't have to worry about it too much."
Malik Beasley on what the #Bucks can do without Damian Lillard and Cam Payne tonight.
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The Bucks have not provided much details on Lillard’s current status and it remains to be seen if he will be available for Milwaukee’s next game, which is on Thursday against the Boston Celtics.
Cameron Payne Also Out for Bucks
It’s not just Lillard who won’t be available on Monday night, though. The Bucks have also ruled out backup point guard Cameron Payne due to a head injury.
Payne has been placed on the league’s concussion protocol, which he will need to clear before being allowed to return to action. His status also remains in doubt for Thursday’s marquee showdown against the mighty Celtics.
With Lillard and Payne both out, AJ Green, MarJon Beauchamp, and Andre Jackson Jr. are likely to see increased roles in the interim.
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