Bulls vs. Bucks: Prediction, odds, where to watch
The NBA season is rapidly winding down, and each team is looking to make its final statements and adjustments ahead of the postseason.
This is the case for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. Each team has cemented their extended season. Most recently, the Bulls locked up a play-in spot as the Orlando Magic lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which knocked them out of the race.
The Bulls and Bucks are now set to face off at 7:30 p.m. EST in a matchup in Milwaukee. The game can be seen on ESPN, Bally Sports Wisconsin, and NBC Sports Chicago.
Milwaukee (57-22) enters the game as 6.5-point favorites while Chicago (38-41) are +210 underdogs on the money line. The over/under is set at 228 for the matchup.
Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction
The first thing to monitor at this time of year is whether teams are sitting any key players with the playoffs on the horizon. On the Bucks' side, Grayson Allen remains out with an ankle injury while Khris Middleton, Jevon Carter, and Pat Connaughton are each listed as day-to-day. For the Bulls, only Lonzo Ball and Justin Smith remain out.
The Bucks have played like the best team in basketball of late and have nearly clinched the top seed in the East. They rank seventh in the NBA in scoring at 117.3 points per game, first in rebounding at 48.8 rebounds per game, and fourth in three-pointers made at 14.8 per game.
They are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has climbed back into the MVP race and is averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Khris Middleton has battled injuries but is beginning to come to form. Jrue Holiday, meanwhile, has put forth a legitimate All-Star season.
When my son asks me about Giannis some day - I’ll try to remember to show him this clip.
4th quarter of a blowout in the last week of a season, and Giannis - the best player on earth - is still playing like a guy on a 10-day contract fighting for a job.
https://t.co/ihtfxXU5pY
Brook Lopez has also continued his career resurgence and is averaging 15.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and a career-high 2.5 blocks per game. He is also attempting 4.7 three-pointers per game and connecting at a career-high 37.6% rate.
The Bulls have had an impressive season turnaround after starting the year off slowly. The addition of Patrick Beverley through the buyout market has helped change their identity. The team is 8-4 since he came to the team.
i have just witnessed Pat Bev Too Small’ing LeBron James
youtube.com/live/lbuyjpa-E… https://t.co/KKSeKfg450
On the year, they rank seventh in points allowed at 112.3, third in team field-goal percentage at 49.1%, but dead last in three-point attempts and makes. They are led by DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who combined for 50 points per game with Nikola Vucevic providing a nice balance at the center position.
While the Bucks are the superior team and will be playing at home, the Bulls have been playing much better basketball of late. Expect this to remain a game and for the Bulls to stick with the Bucks throughout.
Keep an eye on any notable players to pop up on the injury report but count on the Bulls to cover the 6.5-point spread. The Bucks are too talented and too deep not to get the win, but the Bulls continue to play with plenty to prove and will give them a run for their money.