- The Chicago Bulls play the second night of a back-to-back in Milwaukee against the Bucks
- All-star Khris Middleton won’t play due to a wrist injury
- Find the odds, lines, preview, and betting prediction below
The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a blowout loss and are dealing with injuries to their stars.
Perhaps a date with the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday could help.
Chicago had dropped eight of 10 before Monday’s 113-99 win over the Toronto Raptors, and they travel to Milwaukee for the second end of a back-to-back.
This matchup does have some star power, with two of the top four candidates in the 2022 NBA MVP odds likely to showcase.
It all gets underway at 8pm ET from Fiserv Forum, with the home-team Bucks a 5.5-point favorite.
Bulls vs Bucks Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | +5.5 (-110) | +190 | Ov 231 (-110) |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -5.5 (-110) | -130 | Un 231 (-110) |
Odds as of March 21st at Caesars Sportsbook
Bulls Betting Analysis
The Bulls snapped a three-game skid with a much-needed W at home over the Raptors. After getting shelled in losses to the Suns and Jazz, Chicago had been surrendering 122 points a game during this skid.
#DeMVP behavior.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/Zbk3HlPK2N
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 22, 2022
As always, it was Chicago’s offensive hub that led the way. DeMar DeRozan had 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting, to go along with five rebounds. Zach LaVine matched DeRozan with 26 of his own, to go along with six rebounds and six assists.
Big man Nikola Vucevic chipped in 19 points and 13 rebounds, as the Bulls held the Raptors to a woeful 6-for-32 from downtown, an 18.8% clip. The Bulls were a crisp 11-for-28 from downtown, a 39.3% night.
In tonight’s win over the Raptors, Zach LaVine scored 26 points, and DeMar DeRozan also scored 26.
The two have a combined 64 games with 25 (or more) points this season, the most by any duo in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/jH17ruqMkj
— BullsMuse (@bullsmuse) March 22, 2022
DeRozan and LaVine each logged 35 minutes, and Vucevic played 33, so it wasn’t a taxing evening as they head into this important showdown against the Bucks.
The Bulls entered Monday action just two games back of the top-4 in the East, which would mean hosting a home playoff series. They enter Tuesday 1.5-games behind Milwaukee, who currently sit second in the conference.
2022 NBA Playoffs Bracket: Projected Seedings, Matchups and Schedule
Bucks Betting Analysis
After winning eight of their previous nine, Milwaukee was smacked on the road by the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves 138-119.
It’s the most points Milwaukee has surrendered in a game this season. Miami hung 137 on them in a loss on the second game of the year.
There have been four 27/10/5 seasons in the last four years. All of them belong to Giannis.
There have been four 27/10/5 seasons in 33 MPG or lower in NBA history. All of them belong to Giannis.
FREAK. pic.twitter.com/gSNBTa1TvH
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 21, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo was not in the lineup Saturday night as the team is resting his knees. He’s listed as a game-time decision against the Bulls, but all signs point to him lacing them up.
The injuries don’t stop there, though, as all-star Khris Middleton has already been ruled out with a wrist injury.
Pat Connaughton drills a TREY 🎯pic.twitter.com/isnxZWvVvI
— Bucks Nation (@BucksNationCP) March 19, 2022
There is some better news on the injury front, though, as Pat Connaughton, out since breaking a bone in his right hand on Feb. 10, returned to the lineup and scored 15 points. Brook Lopez, in his third game back after a long absence after recovering from back surgery, also had 15 points.
Milwaukee still owns the fifth-best offensive rating in the NBA, but their defense has sagged as they’ve trudged through this title-repeat season. They’re now 15th in defensive rating, while surrendering 111.3 points per game, which ranks 17th.
Bulls vs Bucks Prediction
This will be the third meeting between the two teams, with the Bucks winning the previous two. The latest was a 118-112 win March 4 in Chicago. Not surprisingly, Antetokounmpo has been the driving force in both wins, averaging 32 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bulls have held their own when playing back-to-back, posting an 8-6 record straight up and 7-6-1 ATS. They are one of only 10 teams that have a winning record against the spread when playing on zero days rest.
Milwaukee is 24-12 at home this season, but just 14-22 ATS. Only three teams have a worse mark against the spread as the home team.
Can the Bulls capitalize? They’re just 16-19 on the road straight up, but just 14-20-1 ATS.
With Middleton down and the Bulls’ success in back-to-backs, look for Chicago to keep this one close, though likely in a loss.
The post Bulls vs Bucks Odds, Spread and Predictions appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
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