Fresh off their NBA Cup championship run, the Milwaukee Bucks are still getting back to reality. At 15-12, there is plenty of opportunity for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Bucks to continue growing into the title threats they were thought to be when the season began, starting with a game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
However, Giannis and Dame have both been on the team's injury report as of late. Both stars are vital to Milwaukee's success, and the absence of either player could easily result in another loss for the Bucks.
This has led many fans to ask the question, “Are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard playing vs. the Bulls?”
Latest Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard injury updates

One of the biggest complaints Bucks head coach Doc Rivers had about the success his team found in the NBA Cup was the lack of rest and the quick turnaround they had leaving Las Vegas. The Bucks lost by 23 points to the Cleveland Cavaliers coming off their in-season tournament championship, and then they went on to defeat the last-place Washington Wizards by 11 points. Lillard has missed the last two games, and Antetokounmpo did not play against Washington.
Both Giannis and Dame were listed on the team's injury report ahead of Monday's showdown with Chicago. However, both of Milwaukee's stars will miss this game due to a non-COVID illness, the team announced Monday afternoon. Antetokounmpo was originally listed as questionable with back spasms, and Lillard was once again listed as doubtful because of an ongoing right calf strain.
It is worth mentioning that Lillard was held out of practice before the NBA Cup championship game in Vegas because of this calf strain, and he battled through the injury in that game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although he is sick, this will be the third straight game Lillard has missed with his calf injury.
Giannis has been putting together an MVP-like season for the Bucks, averaging 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 61.3 percent from the floor. He is the main reason why Milwaukee has been able to completely put their horrid start behind them. Lillard has been equally as important to the Bucks this season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor. These two All-Stars are the league's highest-scoring duo.
With Giannis and Dame out, it will be Khris Middleton who steps into a primary role for the Bucks. After being listed as probable with his ankle issues, Middleton has since been cleared and will be available against the Bulls. Bobby Portis, who stepped up with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in the Bucks' 112-101 win over the Wizards, is also going to need to take on a larger role with Antetokounmpo missing his second straight game.
So, when it comes to the question of if Giannis and Damian Lillard are playing on Monday, the Bucks have said that both superstars will miss this game against the Bulls will due to an illness.