Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls 4/22/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview (4/22/22)

The Milwaukee Bucks (1-1) travel to face the Chicago Bulls (1-1) in Game 3 of the First Round. After winning Game 1 in ugly fashion, the Bucks couldn’t go up 2-0 and lost 114-110. Giannis was fantastic with 33 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal on 11/20 from the field. Brook Lopez torched Nikola Vucevic to the tune of 25 points and 6 rebounds on 9/16 shooting and 3/6 from three. Jrue Holiday uncharacteristically struggled again. He had 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, but he turned the ball over 6 times and shot 6/16 from the field. Khris Middleton played well with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists on 5/7 from three. Unfortunately, he injured his MCL and is out 3-4 weeks. The Bucks don’t have many lengthy wings, and Middleton’s two-way play is key. Bobby Portis injured his eye and left the game. He is not on the injury report and ready to go though. His scoring, spacing, and rebounding will be huge for a reeling Milwaukee team that needs to replace Middleton’s production. 

The Bulls stole home court advantage and now face a Milwaukee team with crucial injuries. DeMar DeRozan delivered on his promise to bounce back by producing 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Nikola Vucevic added 24 points on 13 rebounds, but he struggled defensively. Zach LaVine chipped in 20 points on 7/13 from the field and 3/4 from three. Outside of their Big 3, the Bulls didn’t get much scoring production. However, Patrick Williams contributed on the boards, while Alex Caruso was excellent defensively. Chicago will have the chance to take the series lead at home in Game 3. The Bucks ducked the Nets on purpose to play the Bulls in the First Round, but it hasn’t looked great so far. Both teams have been careless with the ball, so the team that can limit their turnovers will gain a huge advantage.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Betting Odds

The spread for Game 2 was -10 Bucks, but it has dropped drastically for Game 3. With the Bulls at home and having momentum, the line is set at -2.5 Bucks. I like the Bucks to cover the spread even though Middleton is out. Chicago’s rim protection is very weak, and I expect Giannis to take more shots with Middleton out. DeRozan’s production will dip from Game 2, and Holiday’s will increase. I like the Bucks to win by 4-7 points after a late surge and go up 2-1 in the series. Chicago’s been solid at home, but it is hard to pick against Giannis and the experienced Bucks in a vital game. In Game 2, it seemed like Giannis cruised to 33 points without a struggle. He’s going to be unleashed in Game 3, and the Bulls should be petrified. 

TV Schedule

Date: 4/22/22
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Arena: United Center – Chicago, IL
Channel: ABC

Live Stream Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Free Online: Watch Every NBA Game

You can stream this game online for free. You can get a free 7-day trial and live stream NBA games from any device. Click the banner below and start watching.

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Grayson Allen
SF: Wesley Matthews
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez

Milwaukee Bucks Analysis

For the season, Middleton averaged 20.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, and 1.2 SPG on a 44/37/89 shooting split. He was a weapon at the forward position who could be the second scorer while guarding DeRozan and LaVine. Now that he’s out, the Bucks will not have a suitable defender for DeRozan besides Giannis. Jrue Holiday has to step up for Milwaukee and score 24+ points consistently. Caruso has done an excellent job forcing Holiday into tough shots and turnovers, so it will be an uphill battle for Jrue. Vucevic is the defensive weakness, so the Bucks should continue attacking the paint. Giannis is going to get more shots here, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he drops 40 points. 

Lopez has been crucial for the Bucks so far. His spacing and rim protection pairs perfectly with Giannis’ game. Giannis can be the center on offense, and the power forward on defense. He put up 25 points in Game 2, and he must replicate that as best he can. Vucevic has struggled to guard him on the perimeter, so Lopez can get open from deep. Overall, Milwaukee is still in control of this series. 

Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup

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

Chicago Bulls Analysis

Chicago must take advantage of the Bucks drop defense and hit their threes. The Bucks allowed the most 3PA per game because they are determined to protect the paint. Vucevic has paced the Bulls in 3PA so far with 18, and LaVine is 2nd at 14 attempts. However, they are struggling to convert, as Vucevic is at 33.3 3PT% and LaVine is at 35.7 3PT%. If they make their threes and stretch the floor, they can neutralize this Bucks defense. Giannis won’t be able to help everywhere, and Lopez cannot come out to the three-point line

Patrick Williams is the X factor for the Bulls. He’s their biggest wing defender, so he will be the primary defender on Giannis. Nobody can stop Giannis, but Williams’ athleticism and length will be enough to contest shots. On offense, he is torching teams from deep. In 17 regular season games, he shot 51.7 3PT% and scored 9 PPG. If he can turn in a good two-way performance, the Bulls will have a decent chance to win this game.