Luol Deng out for Bulls in Game 6 vs. Nets

The Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng is out for Thursday night's Game 6 against the Brooklyn Nets with an illness, the team announced right before tipoff.

Deng and point guard Kirk Hinrich, who is still bothered by a bruised left calf, are both out of the critical matchup. Marco Belinelli started in Deng's place.

The Bulls have a chance to close out the series Thursday with a victory over the Nets at home. They lead the series, 3-2.

Deng has averaged 13.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists this series. According to ESPN, the Bulls have been outscored by 12 points per 100 possessions without Deng on the court.