Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction
The Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks matchup is one of 11 NBA Emirates Cup games scheduled for Friday. The Bulls lead the Eastern Conference with a 6-1 record, while the Bucks are fifth in the same conference with a 5-3 record.
These two historic Eastern franchises have faced each other in 271 regular-season games, with Chicago holding a narrow 137-134 lead. Last season, they met four times and split the series evenly at 2-2.
Current Form and Key Insights
This East Group C NBA Emirates Cup clash features two of the most surprising overachievers to start the season. The Bulls kicked off their NBA Cup campaign with a win over the New York Knicks, while this will be Milwaukee’s first game in the tournament this season.
Chicago has impressed everyone with a strong 6-1 start, sitting atop the standings. They come into this game following a narrow 113-111 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with a triple-double of 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulls appear to be firing on all cylinders, aiming to overcome past playoff disappointments after missing out in three consecutive play-in tournaments. In a wide-open Eastern Conference, Chicago looks to build on their excellent start.
Injury Update (Bulls): Zach Collins (left wrist fracture) and Coby White (calf) will be sidelined, while Ayo Dosunmu is questionable with a quadriceps injury.
On the other hand, the Bucks have also silenced doubters with a solid start to the season. However, Milwaukee will want to forget a recent lopsided 128-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds, supported by Ryan Rollins (11 points), Myles Turner (10 points), and Kyle Kuzma off the bench with 18 points.
This recent defeat may be an aberration for the Bucks, who will be looking to bounce back and kickstart their NBA Cup campaign positively as defending champions of the in-season tournament.
Injury Update (Bucks): Kevin Porter Jr. is out indefinitely following right knee surgery. Tauren Prince is questionable for Friday’s matchup due to a neck strain.
Projected Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Isaac Okoro
PF: Matas Buzelis
C: Nikola Vucevic
Milwaukee Bucks
PG: Ryan Rollins
SG: AJ Green
SF: Gary Trent Jr.
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Myles Turner
Odds and Betting Tips
- Moneyline: Bulls +145, Bucks -170
- Spread: Bulls +4 (-110), Bucks -4 (-110)
- Total Over/Under (O/U): Over 240.5 (-110), Under 240.5 (-110)
Note: Odds are subject to change as the game approaches. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of writing.
Betting experts favor the Bucks to win at home, but we anticipate the Bulls’ hot start to continue with a road victory. Expect a high-scoring affair with the total going over 240.5 points.
Player Betting Tips:
- Josh Giddey is favored to score over 21.5 points.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is projected to score just over 32.5 points.
Prediction
Despite Milwaukee being favored, the Bulls’ momentum and balanced squad should earn them a win on the road. Fans can look forward to an exciting, high-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities.
Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the game!
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