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The Milwaukee Bucks will look to build on their strong start to the 2024-25 NBA season when they host the Chicago Bulls at the Fiserv Forum on Friday (Oct. 25). Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 55 points to help the Bucks notch up a comprehensive 124-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls looked impressive in patches against the New Orleans Pelicans but fell 123-111 despite a strong showing from Zach LaVine.
Both teams have contrasting objectives heading into the season. The Bulls may not have LaVine and Nikola Vucevic suiting up for them by the end of the season. However, they have a young core that has the potential to at least make the postseason — a win for the franchise that's played mediocre ball for the last two seasons with injuries and inconsistency marring progress.
Milwaukee has two bonafide superstars in their ranks, one of them still hunting for his maiden NBA championship. Lillard was one of the blockbuster trades last season to help Antetokounmpo lead the side to the promised land, but they have been playoff contenders at best. If the 'Greek Freak's comments on his future with the side are any indication, their window to win a title is closing fast.
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Both teams played each other four times in the regular season last edition, with the Bucks winning the matchup 3-1. Overall, the Bulls lead 135-132 in their head-to-head regular season contests.
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Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks preview predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks game tips off at 8 pm ET. Local coverage will be on FanDuel Sports Network - Wisconsin and Chicago Sports Network. The game can also be streamed live on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds ahead of the matchup.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks preview
The Milwaukee Bucks aim for consistency this season. A strong start in a stacked East will see them cement themselves as title contenders after two quick playoff exits in as many seasons.
Early observations show Antetokounmpo and Lillard showing no signs of rust in their scoring. The defense looked watertight as they held the shorthanded 76ers to 109 points. The Bucks ranked 21st last season in points allowed per game and that position needs to be in the Top 10 if they intend to contend.
The absence of Khris Middleton will continue to hamper the Bucks' plans of being a well-rounded unit. Injuries have limited their focal point of offense and his midrange shooting is a notable absentee for Milwaukee. When fully healthy, he will be looked at as their third scoring option which they lack at the moment.
Chicago needs LaVine and Vucevic to fire every game to put themselves in play-in contention — a position they are all too familiar with for the last two editions. For a team that's suffered on 3-and-D for the last few seasons, it doesn't help that they swapped their best defensive anchor Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. Their woes on that end of the floor existed in Game 1 as they struggled to contain the Pelicans offense giving up 123 points. They were subpar on defense last season allowing their opponents to get past 113.7 points per contest.
In Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams, the Bulls have a promising frontcourt. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu continue to be their ball handlers while LaVine and Vucevic are expected to be pesky on both ends of the floor. The good news is the return of Lonzo Ball who has looked pristine even after a lengthy break. However, he will be rested against the Bucks as part of his injury management.
A win on Friday depends on how well the offense, defense, and playmaking work in tandem. Can they pull off a surprise win against the formidable Bucks?
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks predicted starting lineups
The Bucks will likely field the same lineup they did against Philadelphia.
Milwaukee Bucks injuries: Khris Middleton (knee) is ruled out of Friday's matchup. Brook Lopez (right quadriceps contusion) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Right patella tendinitis) are probable.
The Bulls will play the same five as they look for balance and synergy.
Chicago Bulls injuries: Lonzo Ball (knee) is ruled out.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks betting tips
Damian Lillard will continue to be a profitable bet. The mercurial guard is listed at u-110 ahead of the clash. LaVine is the next player to watch out for with a u-113.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks prediction
The Bucks are a cinch to win this contest if they manage to dish out a similar performance as they did in their season opener. They have the necessary firepower on both ends of the floor to contain the Bulls. The visitors will need to play a perfect game on both ends of the floor to get their name in the win column. Chalk up a win for the Bucks on Friday.
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