The Milwaukee Bucks (1-1) visit the Chicago Bulls (1-1) Friday. Tip-off at United Center is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bulls tied the series with a 114-110 upset victory as 10-point underdogs at the Bucks Wednesday. SF DeMar DeRozan, who led the team in scoring (27.9 PPG) during the regular season, tallied a game-high 41 points in the Game 2 win.
Two-time MVP PF Giannis Antetokounmpo did his best for the Bucks with 33 points and 18 rebounds Wednesday. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, All-Star SF Khris Middleton suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter and will be sidelined for Game 3.
The loss means the No. 3 seed Bucks lost home-court advantage to the 6th-seeded Bulls. Despite playing on the road Friday, Milwaukee is still favored in Game 3. The Bucks are 18-9 against the spread (ATS) as road favorites.
That is far more impressive than the Chicago’s 4-8 home-underdog ATS mark, which tied for the fourth-worst covering percentage in that category this season. However, the Bulls’ 27-14 straight-up home record ranks 9th in the league.
Bucks at Bulls odds and lines
- Money line: Bucks -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Bulls +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Against the spread: Bucks -2.5 (-115) | Bulls +2.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Bucks at Bulls key injuries
Bucks
- PG George Hill (abdomen) out
- SF Khris Middleton (knee) out
Bulls
- PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
Bucks at Bulls picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 115, Bulls 111
Money line
PASS.
While I wouldn’t mind a wager on the Bulls to win given the plus-money value (+120), the Bucks’ 2.5-point spread for a team that’s been terrific on the road is too irresistible.