The Milwaukee Bucks slipped to 27–38 on Thursday after suffering a 112 to 105 defeat against the Miami Heat, leaving them six games behind the final play in position in the Eastern Conference. The night brought another setback for Milwaukee at Kaseya Center, as Ousmane Dieng left the floor before the final buzzer and was later ruled out for the rest of the contest because of an illness.
Ousmane Dieng had provided a boost for the Milwaukee Bucks since arriving in a trade from the Chicago Bulls before the deadline and quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. However, he did not finish Thursday’s matchup against the Miami Heat after the team ruled him out with an illness. Dieng ended the night scoreless, missing both of his field goal attempts in 14 minutes of action.
From the start of the game, it was evident that Ousmane Dieng was not at his usual level, failing to register any stats beyond two missed field goal attempts before being pulled. The 2022 first-round pick does not appear to face a long-term issue, and he is expected to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Ousmane Dieng with the Bucks
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) gestures after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old likely carries some extra motivation after the Oklahoma City Thunder traded him, along with a second-round pick, to the Charlotte Hornets in February, despite his contributions to their championship run last season. In exchange, the Thunder acquired Mason Plumlee.
Dieng was subsequently traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Collin Sexton and three second-round picks in exchange for Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. Just two days later, he landed with the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal that included the Phoenix Suns.
Mar 12, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dribbles the basketball as Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) defends during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Being bounced around between teams clearly weighed on Ousmane Dieng’s morale, but since arriving in Milwaukee, he has taken on a larger role, averaging 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 22.9 minutes per game.
At just 22 years old, Ousmane Dieng still has significant upside. Landing with the Bucks, where he can develop alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, appears to be a blessing in disguise for the former 11th overall pick.