The Chicago Bulls are currently on the brink of elimination heading into a must-win Game 5 on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, but the task at hand just became even more daunting.

Aside from Alex Caruso currently in concussion protocols, star guard Zach LaVine has entered health and safety protocols and will miss this do-or-die contest.

Via Shams:

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This could be the blow that ends the Bulls' season, unfortunately. DeMar DeRozan and LaVine have struggled immensely in this series against the defending champs and now, DeRozan is left to pick up the slack offensively. This is LaVine's second stint this season in COVID-19 protocols and it truly couldn't come at a worst time. A loss here eliminates Chicago from the playoffs after an embarrassing blowout on Sunday.

In LaVine's very first postseason, he's averaging 19.3 points, six assists, and 5.3 rebounds for the Bulls while shooting 37% from downtown. The UCLA product is undoubtedly one of Billy Donovan's most important players, especially offensively. Now, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White will get the chance to show what they can do on Wednesday.

The Bulls were always considered an underdog vs. Milwaukee but after a Game 2 win, some gave Chicago hope, especially since Khris Middleton also sustained an injury in the series opener. However, the Bucks are just far too deep and experienced. Plus, they have the most unstoppable player on the planet in Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Game 5 is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.