Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction: NBA Pick, Odds, and Best Bets
The Milwaukee Bucks face off against the Chicago Bulls as 3.5-point favorites, with a total line set at 239.5 points. Friday marks the second day of NBA Cup group play, spotlighting a matchup that tests two Eastern Conference teams exceeding early expectations.
Chicago Bulls Overview
Holding a 6-1 record, the Bulls currently top the Eastern Conference standings, achieving this success without shooting guard Coby White. Last season, White averaged 20.4 points per game but remains sidelined this year due to a persistent calf injury.
Point guard Josh Giddey has taken control of Chicago’s offense, leading the team in both scoring and assists. Impressively, he has already recorded two triple-doubles and stands as the
“+320 betting favorite at FanDuel for the Most Improved Player award.”
Milwaukee Bucks Overview
The Bucks began the season facing several questions. Newly signed free agent center Myles Turner was expected to bolster the interior defense, while the team had to readjust following Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury. The uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future remains an undercurrent, with potential struggles possibly fueling trade speculation.
Despite these challenges, Milwaukee has opened strong with a 5-3 record. Coach Doc Rivers has earned recognition for refining the half-court offense and adapting to the injury of starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. Rivers turned to Ryan Rollins to step in at the position, enabling shooter Gary Trent Jr. Green to operate more effectively off the ball and create space for Antetokounmpo’s inside game.
Key Stats and Implications
- Bucks record: 5–3
- Bulls record: 6–1
- Spread: Milwaukee -3.5
- Total: 239.5 points
- Josh Giddey: leading Chicago in points and assists
Author’s Summary
Both teams enter this NBA Cup clash in strong form, with the Bulls’ chemistry and Giddey’s rise meeting Milwaukee’s balanced resilience under Doc Rivers.