Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 Prediction, NBA Odds
The Bucks host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first round matchup. The Bucks drew first blood with Sunday’s 96-86 victory. For the Bulls, Sunday’s loss marks their fifth defeat in six overall contests, and their eighth defeat in 10 postseason outings.
The Bucks are once again pegged as big betting chalk, favoured by 10 points. And in the wake of its Game 1 victory, Milwaukee has emerged as a massive -3333 favourite on the NBA series prices. Chicago has attracted the support of 59% of sports bettors, but remains a distant +381 moneyline underdog on the Game 2 betting lines. The Bulls have also tumbled to +1174 longshots on the series prices, with the odds of this series lasting just four games now sitting at just +179.
Bulls vs. Bucks NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
Wednesday night’s matchup at Fiserv Forum marks the sixth overall meeting of the season between these Eastern Conference rivals. The Bucks have dominated head-to-head, claiming victory in all five previous matchups this season, and in 17 of 18 overall clashes since December 2017. Milwaukee has been particularly dominant on home court during that stretch, going 8-0 straight up, and has limited Chicago shooters to just 93 points per game over the Bulls’ past five visits. That stingy defence has helped fuel a steady 11-4-0 run for the UNDER when these teams meet.
The Bucks ended the regular season with the NBA’s third-ranked offence. However, it was their defence that proved to be the difference in Game 1. Milwaukee stormed out of the gate, claiming an early 16-point lead before allowing Chicago to pull even in the second half. However, the Bucks limited to Chicago shooters to just 15 points in the final frame, while converting a season-low 32.3% of field goal attempt on the evening. That includes a dismal 7-for-37 from beyond the arc. Milwaukee shooters did not fare much better, going just 40.3% from the floor while committing 21 turnovers.
Chicago Bulls
While the Bulls struggled offensively in Game 1, they were not without their chances. Big man Nikola Vucevic led the way with 24 points, but he and Zach Lavine combined to go just 4-for-20 from beyond the arc. However, Vucevic remained a force in the paint, racking up 17 rebounds on the way to his first double-double performance in five games. DeMar DeRozan went a dismal 6-for-25 for 18 points on the evening, with just six of those points coming after recess, and has converted just 35.2% of field goal attempts and averaged just 17 points over his past three outings.
Milwaukee Bucks
While the Bucks compiled their lowest point total since mid-December in Game 1, Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to shine. The Greek Freak racked up 27 points and 16 boards while tallying a third straight double-double. However, he scored just 10 points in the second half, and was held off the scoresheet in the fourth quarter. Veteran point guard Jrue Holiday converted on just 37.5% from the field for 15 points, but proved to be the difference maker while tallying 10 points including a decisive three-pointer during the final frame.
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