Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CST)
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) / FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (Bucks local) / National options via NBA League Pass
Radio: 670 The Score (Bulls) / 620 WTMJ (Bucks)
Team Context
The visiting Bucks are 26-32, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference with a .448 winning percentage. Milwaukee has struggled to find consistency this season, hovering around the play-in picture but dealing with injuries and inconsistent play.
The host Bulls sit at 24-36 (.400), 12th in the East and in the lottery/rebuild conversation after a disastrous February. Chicago is fighting to avoid the bottom of the standings in a tough Eastern race.
Recent Team Forms
Bucks (mixed recent stretch): Milwaukee has shown flashes but inconsistency persists. They won a close one against Cleveland (118-116 on Feb. 25) but suffered a heavy loss to the Knicks (98-127 on Feb. 27). Over their last 10 games, they’ve hovered around .500, averaging ~112 PPG offensively with defensive lapses (allowing 115+ in several). The team is 12-18 on the road and needs wins to climb back into contention.
Bulls (0-11 in February, 11-game losing streak): Chicago endured the worst month in franchise history (0-11 in February), including a late rally that fell short vs. Portland on Feb. 26. Offense has been stagnant (~107-110 PPG lately), defense porous (118+ allowed often), and the young core is gaining experience amid heavy losses. The skid has dropped them firmly out of play-in contention.
Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks:
- PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf) — Day-to-Day / Game-Time Decision (missed recent games; status critical for this matchup).
- SF Taurean Prince (neck) — Out (long-term recovery).
Other notes: Potential minor issues (e.g., Gary Harris hamstring from earlier reports), but focus on Giannis’ availability.
Chicago Bulls:
- SG Anfernee Simons (left wrist) — Out / Day-to-Day (ruled out recently).
- PF Patrick Williams (quadriceps) — Out (until early March).
- PF Zach Collins (right 1st toe sprain) — Out.
- PF Noa Essengue (shoulder) — Out for season (surgery).
- SG Jaden Ivey (knee) — Out.
- C Jalen Smith (calf) — Out / Day-to-Day.
Chicago’s roster is thin on key pieces due to injuries and rebuild moves.
Series History
Milwaukee has dominated the 2025-26 season series so far, winning all three prior meetings:
- Nov. 7, 2025 (Milwaukee): Bucks 126-110 Bulls
- Dec. 27, 2025 (Chicago): Bucks 112-103 Bulls
- Feb. 3, 2026 (Milwaukee): Bucks 131-115 Bulls
Bucks lead 3-0 this season, outscoring Chicago by an average of ~14 points per game. Historically, the all-time series is tied 137-137, but Milwaukee has won the last several head-to-heads.
Projected Lineups & Player Matchups
Milwaukee Bucks (Coach: Doc Rivers)
Starters (assuming Giannis plays)
PG — (e.g., Damian Lillard or rotation)
SG — Gary Trent Jr. / depth
SF — Khris Middleton (if healthy)
PF — Giannis Antetokounmpo (GTD)
C — Brook Lopez Key Bench: Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma (noted high scorer in prior win), etc. Key Matchups:
- Giannis (if active) vs. Bulls frontcourt (Vucevic / Buzelis) — Giannis’ dominance in the paint and transition would overwhelm Chicago’s depleted interior.
- Bucks wings / shooters vs. Bulls perimeter D — Milwaukee’s spacing and mid-range creation should exploit Chicago’s young/inexperienced defense.
- Rebounding battle — Bucks hold edge with size if Giannis plays.
Chicago Bulls (Coach: Billy Donovan)
Starters
PG — Coby White
SG — (depth with Simons out)
SF — Matas Buzelis / wings
PF — (e.g., Julian Phillips or rotation)
C — Nikola Vucevic Key Bench: Young prospects, depth pieces amid injuries. Key Matchups:
- Vucevic vs. Lopez / Bucks bigs — Vucevic’s scoring and rebounding vs. Milwaukee’s rim protection.
- White / young guards vs. Bucks pressure — Chicago’s creation limited without key pieces.
- Buzelis emergence — Rookie/young talent trying to compete against veteran Bucks.
Betting Trends
- Bucks are strong in divisional games and vs. weaker opponents (covered in prior meetings).
- Bulls on 11-game skid; home games have been tough (8-game home losing streak noted).
- Totals have varied; Bucks games trend higher with Giannis, but Chicago’s low offense pulls unders.
- Milwaukee 8-3 SU in recent windows when healthy; Chicago struggling to cover large spreads.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks – 3.5
Chicago Bulls 228.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 28, 2026
