The Milwaukee Bucks came into the 2023-24 season looking to be championship contenders with their preseason acquisition of Damian Lillard. Although they have been one of the better teams, record-wise, in the Eastern Conference, there's been some struggles on the court. The Bucks will look to get back on track on Monday against the Utah Jazz, but they will be without star guard Damian Lillard. Lillard has been ruled out for the game due to personal reasons as per David Locke the play by play announcer of the Jazz.

When Damian Lillard first requested a trade in the offseason, the Bucks weren't even on his or anyone's radar. It was apparently the Miami Heat or bust. But when those talks stalled and never gained serious traction, the Bucks became a team Lillard would give strong consideration to.

Ultimately, the trade cost the Bucks Jrue Holiday, but Lillard was expected to help form a new Big 3 alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The Bucks are still 25-11 and in second place in the East standings, but they're a paltry 9-8 on the road and only 6-4 in their last ten games. They're still three and a half games back of the Boston Celtics for first in the East.

Damian Lillard has suited up in 34 games for the Bucks this season and he's been averaging 25.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals with splits of 42.8 percent shooting from the field, 35.2 percent shooting from the three point line and 91.6 percent shooting from the free throw line.