Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 Spread Winner

Chicago Bulls (46-37 SU, 43-39-1 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (52-31 SU, 39-44-0 ATS)
When: Wednesday April 20 2022, 09:30 PM (ET)
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: NBCSCH

Point Spread: CHI +10/MIL -10 (Opened MIL -10 at BetNow)
Total: 225 (Opened at 225)
Money Line: Chicago 391/Milwaukee -521
Power Rating: MIL -10

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls PG Alex Caruso, SG Zach LaVine, SF DeMar DeRozan, PF Patrick Williams, C Nikola Vucevic
Milwaukee Bucks PG Jrue Holiday, SG Wesley Matthews, SF Khris Middleton, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls Matt Thomas: Leg (OUT) Lonzo Ball: Knee (OUT)

Milwaukee Bucks Bobby Portis: Calf (PROBABLE) Jordan Nwora: Back (PROBABLE) George Hill: Abdominal (OUT)

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 09:30 PM ET at the Fiserv Forum.

Recent Form

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 46-36, placing them 6th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Chicago has struggled in their 42 road contests, sitting at 19-23. Over the Bulls’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 105.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for Chicago’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.8. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, the team fell to Milwaukee by a score of 93-86.

The Milwaukee Bucks come into this game with an overall record of 51-31, placing them 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Milwaukee is above .500 at home, holding a record of 28-14. The Bucks have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Milwaukee is averaging 119.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 115.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. The Bucks have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 109.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 111.8. In the Milwaukee Bucks’ most recent game, Milwaukee took down Chicago by a score of 93-86.

Individual Player Analysis

As Chicago travels to take on the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bulls’ leading scorer is DeMar DeRozan. Through 76 games, DeRozan is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 51.0% of his games. So far, the Bucks are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 49.18% of their games, placing them 13rd among NBA defenses. On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks in scoring, averaging 29 points across his 68 games. Throughout the season, Antetokounmpo has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. On the season, the Bulls have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 17th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 22 of Milwaukee’s 80 games, leading to a winning percentage of 77%. So far, the Chicago Bulls have played 14 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 14 times, by an average margin of -15.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks have met up for 5 games. In their last meeting, Milwaukee picked up a 93-86 win.

How the Public is Betting the Bulls vs Bucks

67% are betting the against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 225

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Bulls are 19-39 ATS in their last 58 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.
• Bucks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Chicago Bulls come into this game having missed out on an excellent opportunity to pull off an upset on the road. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo put 27 points, the Bulls did an excellent job shutting down Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday on the perimeter. However, it is unlikely that Milwaukee will once against shoot just 26% from outside. In addition, the Bulls failed to take advantage of turning the Bucks over 21 times in an uncharacteristically sloppy performance. The problem for Chicago is that although they hit just 7 three-pointers at 19%, this is not too far off from a normal performance from the team. Even with a spread sitting at 10 points, look for the Bucks to put their foot down and cruise to a dominant win over the Bulls.