The Chicago Bulls are once again testing the patience of their fans, but they can make them smile this Friday with a win versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Of course, that is going to be easier said than done, especially with the way the Bucks have been annihilating teams in their past several games.

Catch this game live on Friday, February 17, at 8:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Milwaukee Bucks (40-17/16-12 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Jrue Holiday
• SG: Grayson Allen
• SF: Khris Middleton
• PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo (probable)
• C: Brook Lopez

The Bucks just keep on destroying teams. Their win streak is now up to 11 games following a 131-125 home victory on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics. Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo took turns in punching Boston in the mouth, as they finished with 40 and 36 points, respectively. 

Considering their form and how the Bulls have played of late, don’t be so surprised if Holiday and Antetokounmpo do the same to Chicago this Friday. The Greek Freak has averaged 40.5 in the first two meetings this season– both losses for Milwaukee – with Chicago. Antetokounmpo is listed probable as of this writing, but he should be able to give it a go, as he’s done so despite the same label in the past few Milwaukee games.

The Bucks are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.

Home: Chicago Bulls (26-32/16-12 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Ayo Dosunmu
• SG: Alex Caruso
• SF: Zach LaVine
• PF: Patrick Williams
• C: Nikola Vucevic

The Bulls have got to show some fight this Friday. Otherwise, they will barge into the NBA All-Star break on a six-game losing skid. They lost their fifth in a row Thursday to the Indiana Pacers, 117-113, despite establishing a 24-point lead in the first quarter. Making matters worse for Chicago is the Grade 1 strain injury of DeMar DeRozan that forced him to miss the Indiana game. He is not expected to play this Friday, but the Bulls hope that Coby White will be able to sustain the great form he flashed against the Pacers. 

In that game, White came off the bench and fired 25 points. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 35 points. As bad as things have gone lately for the Bulls, they are, as mentioned earlier, 2-0 SU this season opposite Milwaukee. Chicago’s defense has a lot to do with its surprising success against the Bucks. Milwaukee is shooting 46.4 FG% and 54.3% eFG% this season, but in games against the Bulls, those numbers are down to just 41.0 FG% and 46.3 eFG%.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Bulls (+7) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (230.) hits the Under.