Bulls Starting Backcourt Out For Game 5 Versus Bucks

Chicago's starting backcourt of Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine has officially been ruled out for Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bulls announced on Twitter.

Zach LaVine (health & safety protocols) and Alex Caruso (concussion protocols) are both listed as OUT for Game 5 tonight in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/RRgAjYCu8R
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 27, 2022

This could not have come at a worse time for Chicago. The Bulls are facing elimination tonight against the Bucks. And they won't have one of their All-Stars and their best defender to help save their season.

LaVine entered health and safety protocols yesterday. Meanwhile, Caruso was struck in the face in the second quarter of Chicago's 119-95 Game 4 loss and did not return to the contest.

With LaVine and Caruso on the shelf along with Lonzo Ball, who is still recovering from meniscus surgery, the Bulls have no choice but to roll with rookie Ayo Dosunmu or 22-year-old guard Coby White. Or they could slot DeMar DeRozan in at the two and have one of their wings take the forward spot.

Regardless of how Bulls coach Billy Donovan adjusts his lineup, it's highly likely that Chicago's season will come to an end.

The Bulls have been overpowered by the defending champions at home, losing by a combined 54 points in Games 3 and 4.

This is truly an unfortunate way to end a season that began with a lot of promise.