The Chicago Bulls, currently on a three-game losing streak, will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday for their second matchup in six days.
Bucks’ Recent Form
Milwaukee returns to Chicago after a convincing 112-91 victory over the Bulls on Monday, despite missing All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton stepped up, each scoring 21 points in Antetokounmpo’s absence due to illness.
The Bucks were again without Antetokounmpo and Lillard in Thursday’s 111-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Lillard has missed the last four games with a calf injury and illness.
Milwaukee has experienced highs and lows throughout the 2024 season, with a seven-game winning streak from November 18 to December 3, following a six-game losing streak during a 2-8 start. Antetokounmpo leads the league with 32.7 points per game, while Lillard averages 25.7 points and 7.5 assists.
The Bucks’ scoring average of 112.5 points per game ranks 16th in the league, down from their 2023-24 average. However, their defense has improved, allowing 111.2 points per game this season compared to 116.4 last season.
Milwaukee’s strong defensive performance in Monday’s win over Chicago limited the Bulls to 91 points on 40 percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers.
Bulls’ Struggles
Despite Monday’s output, the Bulls average 117.7 points per game, the sixth-highest in the NBA, with leading scorers Zach LaVine (22.3 ppg), Nikola Vucevic (20.7), and Coby White (17.7).
However, Chicago’s defensive struggles are evident, as they are five games below .500 and have allowed the second-highest opponent output in the league at 121.8 points per game. The Bulls come into Saturday’s game after giving up 50 points in the fourth quarter of a 141-133 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, squandering a 17-point lead.
Key Matchup
The Bulls may receive a boost with the potential return of versatile swingman Josh Giddey, who averages 11.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and a team-high 6.9 assists per game, after missing the last four games with an ankle injury.
Chicago will need to tighten up their defense and capitalize on their offensive strengths to end their losing streak against a Bucks team that has shown resilience despite injuries to key players.
