The 6-seed Chicago Bulls visit Fiserv Forum Sunday to take on the 3-seed Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Bucks Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bulls started off the season hot but struggled to stay that way as injuries to G Lonzo Ball and G Alex Caruso derailed their stunning first few months. Chicago is led by F DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 27.9 points per game.
Chicago ranks 13th with 111.6 points per game and is incredibly efficient, ranking third in field goal shooting (48.0%) and fourth in three-point shooting (36.9%). The Bulls were 42-39-1 against the spread (ATS) this season but just 1-4 ATS over their last five games.
The reigning champion Bucks actually struggled out of the gate. They’ve come alive as of late behind two-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 29.9 points per game this season. They rank third in points per game (115.5).
Milwaukee was 39-43 ATS this season and 4-4 ATS over its last eight contests.
Bulls at Bucks odds and lines
- Money line: Bulls +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Bucks -540 (bet $540 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +9.5 (-108) | Bucks -9.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Bulls at Bucks key injuries
Bulls
- G Lonzo Ball (meniscus) out
Bucks
- G George Hill (abdominal) out
- F Jordan Nwora (back) probable
Bulls at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 120, Bulls 109
Money line
PASS.
Betting a -540 money line isn’t wise, yet betting against the reigning champs at home isn’t a smart move either. Pass on the money line and find value elsewhere in this matchup.