The Bucks lead the season series, 2-0, but the Bulls have won three of their last four and will also be backed by their home crowd.
On a good stretch
The Chicago Bulls are only 12-20 (7-10 at home) but will head to the game having won three of their last four games. On Sunday, they crushed the Atlanta Hawks, 116-81, after having them shoot just 37.2% from the floor and commit 19 turnovers.
Such a stretch and win could be beneficial as they prepare for the team with the best record in the league, especially since they lost in the two previous match-ups with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Still, leading scorer Zach Lavine would have to be better. He’s only averaging 18 points on an awful 33%-shooting against the Bucks, both lower than his numbers for the season. Stretch four Lauri Markkanen is in the same boat as well as he has only scored 10 PPG and a much, much awful 19% shooting clip.
Rookie Coby White is someone to watch out for. The first-year guard is posting 18.5 PPG against the Bucks, which includes a 26-point performance that had him draining six threes.
Though the standings don’t reflect it, defense is one of the Bulls’ strong suits. They are inside the top 10 in points allowed (106.5 PPG) and defensive efficiency, and first in steals, opponent turnovers, and allowed field goals.
Best record in the league
Despite encountering a few bumps, the Bucks are boasting some of the best display of basketball today. They own the best record (29-5) and most prolific scoring attack in the league (119.7 PPG), and arguably the most physically imposing player in Giannis Antetkounmpo.
The Bucks will also head to Chicago with good momentum, as they have won five of their last six games with an average winning margin of 13.5 points.
Giannis led the Bucks in the two victories over the Bulls back in mid-November, scoring 35.5 points and hauling in 13.5 boards on 56.5% shooting in both games.
Unfortunately, the Greek Freak has been sidelined for the last two games with a back injury, and he’s still not confirmed for tomorrow’s game. However, the Bucks are far from a one-man team and they are still a tough team without their best player.
It does look like Eric Bledsoe will be making his return to the lineup, though, so that’s a bit of a relief for the Bucks.
Khris Middleton missed the two previous meetings with the Bulls due to an injury. He’ll look to make up for the absence and will be poised to do so as he has averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 50.9%-shooting over his last three outings.
The Bucks are 13-3 on the road this season.
PREDICTION:
The Bucks ease past the Bulls again, 114-104.
