Giannis ruled out vs. Bulls with knee soreness

CHICAGO — Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in the United Center.

Ersan Ilyasova will start in Antetokounmpo’s place.

Antetokounmpo has had lingering right knee soreness over the past few games. Before the game, coach Mike Budenholzer said he is optimistic the knee soreness is short term.

“We’ve been managing his body for a period of time,” Budenholzer said. There was no specific play that affected Antetokounmpo’s knee.

Antetokounmpo has missed four games so far this season. The Bucks are 2-2 in games without Antetokounmpo.

“You really have to listen to Giannis,” Budenholzer said when asked how he made the decision to sit Antetokounmpo. “He is usually a guy who fights to play and is always wanting to play. But it starts with the player and then listening to Troy (Flanagan) and the medical group.”

Antetokounmpo, who is a front-runner for the MVP award, is averaging 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6 assists per game.