The red-hot Milwaukee Bucks are looking to extend their win streak to four with a win tonight versus the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Bucks are not only on a three-game win streak, but they have won eight of their last nine games.
Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are on three game streaks of 30 plus points. After a rocky start to the season, Milwaukee is now playing some of their best basketball.
Pat Connaughton Out for Thursday Night’s Matchup After Suffering Ankle Injury Tuesday
Pat Connaughton has been ruled out for tonight’s matchup versus Chicago. Connaughton suffered a right ankle sprain during Tuesday’s game in a win over the Miami Heat in the third quarter. He ended the contest with 7 points on 3-5 from the field, playing 15 minutes before the injury occurred.
He is not expected to be sidelined for long, but it’s possible the Bucks may exercise caution with Connaughton ahead of next weeks In-Season Tournament playoff matchup versus the New York Knicks.
Connaughton will watch from the sidelines tonight along with Jae Crowder, who had surgery on his groin a couple weeks ago. Crowder suffered a left adductor and abdominal tear in a matchup versus the Orlando Magic on November 13th and is expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine Listed Ruled Out Tonight versus Milwaukee Bucks
Ayo Dosunmu & Alex Caruso join the starting lineup in place of Zach LaVine (right foot soreness) & DeMar DeRozan (left ankle sprain).@FirstAlert | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/OQDQHt19JM
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 1, 2023
The NBA season has not been kind to the Chicago Bulls to start the year. Sitting at number 13 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 5-14 record, the Bulls are still trying to find a rhythm as a team. With their two All-stars ruled out for tonight’s matchup, their odds off turning things around this second don’t look enticing.
DeMar DeRozan left Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Boston Celtics with ankle soreness. He finished the contest with 19 points and 6 assists shooting 50% from the field. Zach LaVine, who had a rough night versus Boston on Tuesday, is dealing with foot soreness. Both the Bulls star players will be watching from the sidelines tonight. Alex Caruso was also on the injury report, dealing with a strained toe. Caruso, who has been a great addition for Chicago since his arrival, will play through his injury in tonight’s contest.
With DeRozan and LaVine ruled out, it will be difficult to tell how Chicago looks considering their two stars take the most share of handling the ball, but expect players like Ayo Dosunmu, Patrick Williams, and Torrey Craig to gain extended minutes.
The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Chicago Bulls at 8pm eastern time streaming live on NBA League Pass.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Facebook at @JosephHadawi and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
