Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (4/5/23)

The Chicago Bulls visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a big Eastern Conference matchup. The Bulls have won two straight games with the last being a blowout win against the Grizzlies at home, while the Bucks bounced back from a 41-point loss to the Celtics with a win at home against the 76ers. My prediction is that the Bucks cover the 7-point spread at home. The Bucks are playing well right now and Chicago is banged up a bit even though they’re playing for a play-in spot. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction

The Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -7

The Milwaukee Bucks are in prime position to make a run yet again in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks go as Giannis Antetokounmpo goes this season still. He leads the team in scoring at 32 PPG and in rebounds at 12 per game. Jrue Holiday has been a key sidekick this season that’s been able to pickup the slack when needed, while also being their best defender. He averages 19 PPG and leads the team in assists at 7 per game and in steals at 1.2 per game. Brook Lopez is a huge key piece for the Bucks down low. He averages 16 PPG and leads the team in blocks at 2.5 per game. Also, with Middleton being doubtful, Bobby Portis should step up as a stretch forward. He averages 14 PPG too.

The Bucks are very well-rounded this year. They’re 7th in scoring at 117 PPG, 4th in point differential at +4, and 15th in offensive rating at 114.3. They’re 14th in points allowed at 113 PPG, first in rebounding at 48.8 per game, and 3rd in defensive rating at 110.6.

On the other side, the Bulls have been inconsistent and have dealt with injuries too.

Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are tied for the lead in scoring for the Bulls this season at 25 PPG. They both are very important to what the Bulls can do this year. DeRozan also leads the team in assists at 5 per game. LaVine is also one of the best three-point shooters on the team at 38.4% this season. Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams make up a decent front court in Chicago. Vucevic averages 18 PPG and leads the team in rebounds at 11 per game, while Patrick Williams averages 10 PPG and leads the Bulls in blocks at 1 per game.

The Bulls are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA this season. They’re 7th in points allowed at 112.2 PPG and 5th in defensive rating at 111.8. On offense, Chicago is 3rd in field goal percentage at 49.2% and 11th in point differential at +1.4.

The Milwaukee Bucks should win this game easily. The Bucks have more firepower and are the overall better team than the Bulls this season. Milwaukee wins and covers going away on their march to the #1 seed in the East.

Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

The Milwaukee Bucks are 7-point home favorites against the Chicago Bulls. They over/under is also at 231. The Bucks being this much of a favorite makes sense because of how much they’ve dominated the Eastern Conference with the Celtics this season. The over/under also makes sense because both teams are in the top-15 of the NBA in points allowed. This spread could move a bit based on injury news, especially if Khris Middleton plays.

Betting Trends

Bulls are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Bucks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Key Matchups

Can Patrick Williams matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Can Joe Ingles matchup with DeMar DeRozan?

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Patrick Williams

Giannis has been his usual great self this season and he’s in MVP contention still. He averages 31 points, 6 assists, and 12 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Patrick Williams most of the game, who averages 10 points, 1 assist, and 4 rebounds per game. Patrick Williams has been good, but Giannis alone is a good enough reason why the Bucks are going to cover the 7-point spread.

DeMar DeRozan vs. Joe Ingles

DeMar DeRozan has been very good this year for the Bulls. He averages 25 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Joe Ingles most of the game, who averages 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. Ingles is decent, but DeRozan is better here even if the Bucks still win and cover the 7-point spread.

Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup

PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Joe Ingles
SF: Jae Crowder
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls Injuries: PG Lonzo Ball (Knee) O, SG Alex Caruso (Foot) P

Milwaukee Bucks Injuries: SF Khris Middleton (Knee) D, SG Grayson Allen (Ankle) O