Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls Prediction, NBA Odds
The Bulls tied the series at a game apiece with a 114-110 victory in Game 2 that also snapped a five-game straight up slide in postseason play. The Bucks enjoyed a five-game playoff win streak prior to Wednesday’s defeat, and arrive in the Windy City looking to improve on a middling 4-6 record over their past 10 postseason road contests.
The Bucks’ loss in Game 2 has not dampened their position at the sportsbooks. Milwaukee has improved to a 2.5-point favourite to win since opening as 2-point chalk, and maintains the support of 73 per cent of sports bettors. The Bucks also remain perched as strong favourites on the NBA playoff series prices, sporting -250 odds, while Chicago lags as a +196 underdog.
Bucks vs. Bulls NBA Betting Odds
Friday night’s matchup at United Center marks the seventh overall meeting between these teams this season. The Bulls snapped a five-game slide against Milwaukee with their Game 2 win, but have struggled at home, posting just one outright victory in 12 head-to-head clashes since March 2016. The Bucks have also been a reliable bet when visiting Chicago, going 11-1 against the spread over their past 12, and have easily covered in their past two road dates with the Bulls while favoured by three or fewer points.
While the UNDER has paid out in five of their past eight visits to Chicago, the Bucks offence has steadily produced, averaging 116.5 points per game over that stretch. Conversely, Chicago has topped 106 points just three times in 14 home clashes with the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks
Once again, it was Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge in Game 2. Giannis led all Bucks shooters with 32 points while contributing 18 rebounds for his 11th double-double in 12 outings. However, the Bucks saw Khris Middleton leave the contest after reportedly suffering an MCL strain that is expected to sideline him for at least the rest of the series. The loss of Middleton is a major blow. The 30-year-old small forward ranked second on the club during the regular season with 20.1 points per game, and was also among the team leaders in boards and assists. Middleton has also been a reliable playoff performer, particularly during last season’s NBA Finals, when he piled up 24.0 points per game. On a positive note, the Bucks hope to have veteran Bobby Portis back in time for Friday’s contest after he was forced to leave Game 2 with an eye injury.
Chicago Bulls
Effectively held in check by the Bucks in Game 1, DeMar DeRozan spearheaded the Bulls attack on Wednesday with a career-best playoff performance, tallying 41 points and adding seven boards. DeRozan has also been a force on home hardwood since the All-Star Break, averaging 29.7 points per game and draining 40 or more points twice in his past five home appearances. In addition, a lack of offensive production off the bench remains a concern. The Chicago bench has averaged just 12 points through the first two games of the series after finishing the regular season ranked 29th in the league with just 26.7 points per game.
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