Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tip-off: 4:00 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: WCGV/My24 and Bucks+ (Milwaukee), Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and CHSN App (Chicago), NBA League Pass (subject to blackouts)
This early afternoon Central Division clash was moved up four hours to accommodate Game 1 of the World Series in Milwaukee (Brewers hosting). Both teams are seeking their first win after disappointing season openers under new coaching regimes—Tiago Splitter in Chicago and Taylor Jenkins in Milwaukee (post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era).
Injury Reports
Chicago Bulls
C Nic Claxton: Out (left hamstring strain) — expected to miss additional time.
G Josh Giddey: Available/probable (left wrist sprain).
F/C Zach Collins: Available/probable (right quadriceps strain).
F Tobe Awaka: Available/probable (left MCL sprain).
G Jordan Hawkins: Available (illness; upgraded).
F Dailyn Swain: Available (illness; upgraded).
Milwaukee Bucks
No players listed on the injury report (full health).
Chicago is missing its starting-caliber center, which impacts rim protection and rebounding; most other listed players are expected to be available.
Current Rosters & Projected Line Combinations
Chicago Bulls
Projected starters often include Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith (stepping up with Claxton out). Depth features players like Patrick Williams and others in the early-season rotation under Splitter.
Milwaukee Bucks
Projected starters: Tyler Herro, Ryan Rollins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner. The new-look roster emphasizes scoring and versatility without Giannis. Bench options include AJ Green and others.
Exact lineups are confirmed closer to tip; both coaches are integrating new systems after one game.
Recent Team Forms
Bulls: Opened with a lopsided 135-92 road loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Offensive execution struggled significantly (low shooting efficiency noted in early returns), and the defensive effort was poor in a blowout. They rank near the bottom early in net rating after one game.
Bucks: Fell 128-116 on the road to the Washington Wizards in their opener. Scoring was more competitive (Herro and others contributed), but late execution and defense slipped. Home opener provides a chance to reset under Jenkins.
Both are 0-1 and adjusting to new schemes; early sample sizes are tiny, so bounce-back potential exists for the home side.
Series History
First meeting of the 2026-27 season. These Central Division rivals have a long history of competitive (and sometimes physical) matchups. Recent seasons saw mixed results depending on roster health and star availability; Milwaukee historically held edges in many home games against Chicago, though specific prior-year H2H details vary with roster turnover. This is an early test of the rebuilt Bucks versus a young/rebuilding Bulls group.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Tyler Herro / Ryan Rollins vs. Josh Giddey / Norman Powell: Perimeter creation and scoring. Herro’s shot creation against Chicago’s wing defenders; Giddey’s playmaking and rebounding (historically strong vs. Milwaukee in some prior samples) will be key.
Myles Turner vs. Jalen Smith / Zach Collins: Interior presence, rim protection, and spacing. Turner’s three-point threat and defense against Chicago’s bigs (without Claxton).
Jaime Jaquez Jr. / Kyle Kuzma vs. Matas Buzelis / Caleb Wilson: Wing versatility, scoring, and physicality on the forward spots.
Overall pace and transition: Both teams showed high-turnover or inefficient tendencies in openers; the home crowd and early tip could favor Milwaukee’s adjustment.
Special teams (free-throw rate, three-point volume) and rebounding will influence the outcome given the injury to Claxton.
Betting Trends
Early-season games often feature high totals as teams shake off rust. Home openers can provide a bounce-back edge. Public betting has been mixed given both teams’ 0-1 starts and the unusual afternoon tip. Milwaukee’s healthier roster and home court give them a slight market edge.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 240
Milwaukee Bucks – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 22, 2026
