Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions October 25th 2024

Bucks vs Bulls October 25th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-437) will host the Chicago Bulls (+344) in a Central Division matchup. The Bucks are favored by 9.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 233.5.

Through one game, Milwaukee is 1-0, while Chicago is 0-1. The game will be played at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and can be seen on CHSN.

Bulls vs. Bucks Key Information

The Bulls dropped their season opener on Wednesday, falling 123-111 to the Pelicans on the road. Chicago is now 0-1 to start the season. Entering the game as +5 point underdogs, the Bulls failed to cover the spread, losing by 12 points.

Chicago kept things close early, trailing 29-25 after the 1st quarter and outscoring New Orleans 33-30 in the 2nd. However, a tough 3rd quarter saw the Bulls outscored 36-25, putting them behind 95-83 heading into the 4th. Both teams scored 28 points in the final quarter. The total points for the game went over the line of 225.5, with a combined score of 234.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 27 points, hitting 5 threes at 62.5% efficiency, though the team struggled from deep, making just 10 threes at a 29.4% rate. Overall, the Bulls shot 48.8% from the field in their 123-111 loss to the Pelicans.

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LaVine scored 16 of his points in the 2nd quarter, while Nikola Vucevic added 8 of his 21 points in the 3rd. Jalen Smith contributed 8 points in the 2nd and 7 more in the 4th, finishing with 15 points on 62.5% shooting.

Defensively, the Bulls gave up 123 points to the Pelicans, with their toughest stretch coming in the 3rd quarter, where they allowed 36 points. Chicago sent New Orleans to the line 21 times, with the Pelicans converting 19 free throws.

The Bulls held the Pelicans to 14 made threes on 37% shooting. Chicago also allowed 7 offensive rebounds while recording 4 steals and 2 blocks.

The Bucks opened their season with a 124-109 win over the 76ers on Wednesday, moving to 1-0. Playing on the road, Milwaukee entered the game as 4-point favorites and covered the spread with a 15-point victory. The total score of 233 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 222.5 by 10.5 points.

After a slow start, trailing 23-22 after the 1st quarter, the Bucks took control by outscoring the 76ers 36-24 in the 2nd quarter and 42-34 in the 3rd. They entered the 4th quarter with a 100-81 lead, allowing the 76ers to win the final quarter 28-24, but the game was already out of reach.

In their 123-111 loss to the Pelicans, the Bulls shot 48.8% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 29.4% of their threes with 10 makes. Zach LaVine led the way, connecting on 5 threes at a 62.5% clip, finishing with 27 points and 5 rebounds.

LaVine scored 16 of his points in the 2nd quarter, while Nikola Vucevic added 8 of his 21 points in the 3rd. Jalen Smith contributed 15 points, with 8 coming in the 2nd quarter and 7 more in the 4th.

Defensively, the Bucks were solid in their win over the 76ers, giving up 109 points while holding Philadelphia to 41% shooting. Milwaukee allowed 23 points in the 1st quarter and 24 in the 2nd, but the 76ers scored 34 in the 3rd. The Bucks tightened up in the 4th, allowing 28 points.

The Bucks excelled at defending the three, limiting the 76ers to 8 made threes on 25% shooting. Milwaukee sent Philadelphia to the line 27 times, with the 76ers making 19 free throws. The Bucks grabbed 38 defensive rebounds but allowed 17 offensive boards, while also recording 4 steals and 9 blocks.

Not only do we have the Bucks winning this one by a score of 146-133, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Bucks at -9.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 233.5, and our model projects the Bulls and Bucks to reach a combined total of 279 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Bucks and Bulls Ready for Divisional Showdown with Stars Back in Action

The Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, two Central Division teams with different outlooks, face off Friday in Milwaukee. The Bucks aim to extend their eight-year playoff streak, while the Bulls, on the path to rebuilding, look to leverage the return of some key players for a hopeful turnaround this season.

Milwaukee Bucks: Extending the Window of Contention

The Bucks made a powerful statement in their season opener, handling the Philadelphia 76ers in a 124-109 victory, led by an impressive performance from Damian Lillard, who poured in 30 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo, back after missing the end of last season with a calf injury, contributed 25 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists on efficient shooting.

“I’ve just got to get my rhythm back,” said Antetokounmpo, noting his need to adjust to NBA pace and physicality after his lengthy break since April. Despite missing Khris Middleton in the opener, Milwaukee saw Taurean Prince step up with 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in his debut for the team, helping fill the gap left by the veteran forward.

Middleton, who has struggled with injuries, remains day-to-day with an ankle injury. However, Milwaukee’s depth could prove pivotal as the Bucks aim to avoid a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.

Chicago Bulls: Key Players Return Amid Rebuild

For the Bulls, health has been a concern over recent seasons, but Wednesday’s 123-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans saw the return of franchise player Zach LaVine. LaVine, who missed most of last season due to a foot injury, led Chicago’s scoring with 27 points, shooting 10-for-17 overall and hitting five of eight from beyond the arc.

Another positive development for the Bulls was Lonzo Ball’s return after a long hiatus due to knee injuries. Ball’s brief 14-minute appearance saw him nail a three-pointer on his first shot, notching five points and four assists.

“I feel good,” Ball commented after the game. “I’d feel a little better if we won, but I’m just happy to be back on the court.” The 27-year-old guard hopes to help stabilize a Chicago team in need of consistency. The Bulls, projected to win only 37 games by ESPN, are taking the first steps toward a rebuilding phase after an inconsistent run over recent years.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Damian Lillard vs. Chicago’s Defense: Lillard’s explosive start with the Bucks showcased his scoring potential, which could be a challenge for a Bulls defense that struggled against New Orleans. Chicago will need to contain Lillard’s perimeter shooting and passing to limit Milwaukee’s offensive flow.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Chicago’s Frontcourt: With Antetokounmpo back to his dominant form, the Bulls’ frontcourt defense will need to stay sharp to prevent Giannis from taking control in the paint. Antetokounmpo’s size, speed, and physicality pose a serious threat, especially if Middleton remains sidelined, and he could be the deciding factor on Friday.
3. Bucks’ Depth vs. Bulls’ Starters: Milwaukee’s depth was on display against the 76ers, with Prince stepping up to help fill in for missing starters. Chicago, meanwhile, is heavily reliant on its core of LaVine, Ball, and Nikola Vucevic. The Bucks’ depth advantage could make a difference, especially in a physical divisional matchup.

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Outlook for Friday’s Showdown

While Milwaukee is seen as a contender with seasoned stars and championship experience, Chicago’s young roster is still finding its rhythm and adjusting to lineup changes. The Bucks have the upper hand in talent and depth, but the Bulls, with LaVine and Ball back in action, are eager to prove they can compete.

The Central Division clash in Milwaukee is set to be a test of endurance and skill, with each team looking to set the tone for the season.