Chicago Bulls guards Zach LaVine (health and safety protocols) and Alex Caruso (concussion protocol) were ruled out for Wednesday night's Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bulls were hoping either player's health would approve ahead of their win-or-go-home game in Milwaukee, but they downgraded both guards on their injury report Wednesday morning.
The Bucks lead the first-round series 3-1. Only 13 teams in NBA history have overcome a 3-1 deficit, and the Bulls' path to an unlikely comeback becomes more difficult without their starting backcourt available.
LaVine entered the COVID-19 health and safety protocols just before the team's practice Tuesday after he woke up experiencing symptoms earlier in the morning.