The Chicago Bulls will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a huge Eastern Conference battle. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bulls-Bucks prediction and pick.
This matchup has the chance to be one of the best games of the year. The Bulls have earned a 42-29 record and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference after spending some of the season as the first seed. Despite their status as the fifth seed, they have the firepower to make a serious run at the title.
The Bucks, unlike Chicago, have come on strong the longer the season has gone on. They didn't start too well, but Milwaukee is currently tied for the second seed in the East. A win against another strong contender would be another feather in the Bucks' well-decorated cap, and they have a chance to get that in this game.
Here are the Bulls-Bucks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Bulls-Bucks Odds
Chicago Bulls: +7.5 (-106)
Milwaukee Bucks: -7.5 (-114)
Over: 233 (-110)
Under: 233 (-110)
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Why The Bulls Could Cover The Spread
Chicago's offense has a chance to put on a show in this game. The Bulls have been fantastic on offense all season long. Head coach Billy Donovan's team shoots 37% from 3-point range and 48% from the field, two of the best numbers in the NBA. Chicago's shooting efficiency numbers are also top five in the NBA. Milwaukee is typically a stout defensive unit, but the Bucks haven't been all that good defensively this season. They aren't bad, but they rank right around average in terms of points per game allowed and shooting percentage allowed. The Bulls shouldn't have much trouble scoring in this one.
The Bucks will be missing at least one key player in this game. Shooting guard Khris Middleton has already been ruled out of this game, while superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely fight through a mild knee injury to play in this game. Middleton's absence will force veteran Wesley Matthews into the starting lineup while depriving the Bucks of one of their best two-way players. Milwaukee is 5-7 without Middleton this season, including losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, and Washington Wizards. It's clear that Middleton is a crucial part of this team that the Bucks will have to play without.
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
Chicago's offense won't be the only strong scoring unit in this game. The Bucks should have just as much offensive success as the Bulls, partially because Chicago has really struggled defensively. The Bulls allow 111 points per game while giving up a 47% shooting percentage from the field. The Bulls also allow their opponents to shoot 36% from beyond the arc, a stat that should help a Milwaukee team that shoots the fourth-most triples per game in the NBA.
The Bucks aren't alone in their injury woes. There's a chance that the Bulls will be without star shooting guard Zach LaVine in this contest, as he's questionable with a knee injury. Starting point guard Lonzo Ball is dealing with a long-term injury, so Chicago could be missing their entire starting backcourt here. That means Alex Caruso and either Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu would start at the guard spots, which wouldn't be a good thing against Milwaukee. If LaVine misses this game, the Bucks should cover with ease.
Final Bulls-Bucks Prediction & Pick
This is a hard spread to pick with LaVine's status up in the air. Instead of either team, the under is the best pick on the board given LaVine's questionable status and Middleton being out. The Bulls are also on the second night of a back-to-back, so they could struggle to score with tired legs.
Final Bulls-Bucks Pick: Under: 233 (-110)
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