Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction: NBA Pick, Odds, Best Bets
The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Chicago Bulls as 3.5-point favorites with an over/under total of 239.5 points. The NBA Cup resumes on Friday for its second day of group play, featuring a key matchup between two Eastern Conference teams that are outperforming preseason expectations.
Chicago Bulls Overview
With a 6-1 record, the Bulls hold the best record in the conference despite missing shooting guard Coby White, who averaged 20.4 points last season. White remains sidelined due to a calf injury. Point guard Josh Giddey is stepping up, leading Chicago in points and assists while recording two triple-doubles.
He is the current +320 betting favorite at FanDuel for the Most Improved Player award.
Milwaukee Bucks Overview
The Bucks began the season with uncertainty, having signed free agent center Myles Turner and lacking a clear plan at point guard after Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future continues to be a topic of speculation amid any team struggles.
Milwaukee has posted a 5-3 start. Coach Doc Rivers has done well to optimize the halfcourt offense and manage injuries, naming Ryan Rollins as starting point guard due to Kevin Porter Jr.'s injury. Sharpshooters like Gary Trent Jr. Green benefit from this setup, allowing them to stretch the floor around Antetokounmpo’s ball dominance.
Matchup Summary
- Bulls poised as Eastern Conference leaders despite key injury
- Bucks adapting to point guard changes and managing uncertainties
- Key players to watch: Josh Giddey, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner
- Point spread favors Bucks by 3.5 points; total points set at 239.5
The game will test both teams' resilience and adaptability as they aim to maintain their strong starts to the season.
Author’s summary: The Bucks and Bulls face off as strong Eastern contenders, with Milwaukee adapting to injuries and Chicago thriving despite missing a key scorer.