Milwaukee Hopes to Clinch Top Seed
The Chicago Bulls (38-41) clinched a spot in the Play-In Tournament and will look to boost their seed against the Milwaukee Bucks (57-22) on Wednesday. Milwaukee still has plenty to play for as it is one win away from clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With the Bucks playing at full strength, NBA odds have the Bulls as 6½-point underdogs. However, Milwaukee has looked vulnerable over the last five games, going 3-2 and 1-4 against the spread (ATS). Chicago is 2-3 outright and ATS in the last five games. Here’s everything to know for Wednesday’s collision.
Chicago Unlikely to Improve Standing
The Bulls are officially in the postseason but looking to move up in the standings. They are two games back from the No. 8 Atlanta Hawks and No. 9 Toronto Raptors. Tuesday’s 123-105 loss against the Hawks was a big blow. Chicago could have cut Atlanta’s lead to one game.
Instead, the Bulls’ chance of upgrading their spot before the postseason looks unlikely. Only three games remain, and Wednesday’s battle with the Bucks is a tall task. Expect Chicago to remain the sportsbook’s last choice to win the Eastern Conference among postseason teams (+25000).
The perimeter defense must improve against Milwaukee. The Bulls rank 28th in allowed 3-pointers per game and their last three opponents averaged 14.3 made threes. The Bucks rank fourth in attempted and made 3-pointers per game. Chicago has been a surprisingly good sports bet on the road, going 4-1 ATS in the last five games.
Holiday Poised for Big-Time Performance?
Following the Boston Celtics’ loss on Tuesday, the Bucks nearly have the top seed locked up. Milwaukee needs one win or a Celtics loss to clinch the seed. The Bulls are the most favorable team remaining on the schedule. Expect the Bucks to go all out on Wednesday. If they win, key players like forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely rest for the remainder of the regular season.
Antetokounmpo (31.1 points) could be heavily used on Wednesday. Guard Grayson Allen (10.4 points) will be out with an ankle injury. Forward Khris Middleton (15.5 points) is also questionable with a knee injury. This could be Antetokounmpo’s final case for the MVP Award. NBA lines have the Greek Freak as the third choice to win the award (+750).
Guard Jrue Holiday (19.2 points) could be poised for a big day. He has shot 14-of-30 (46.7%) on 3-pointers over the last six games. Holiday also posted a career-high 51 points on Mar. 29 against the Indiana Pacers. Chicago’s perimeter defense has struggled in recent games. Holiday props are among the top NBA betting options on Wednesday.
The Bucks cooling off Jrue Holiday after he scored a career-high 51 PTS (20/30 FG) with 8 AST & 8 REB
“Obviously, I’m happy about it. It took me 14 years to get 50 points. It came in a game that we needed to win, so I couldn’t be happier.”pic.twitter.com/xDd8PvJL7M
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 30, 2023
Bulls vs Bucks Game Injuries
Bulls vs Bucks Head-to-Head
The Bucks are 7-3 and 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings. However, the Bulls are 2-1 outright and ATS vs. Milwaukee this season.
Bulls vs Bucks Game Information
- Game: Bulls (38-41) vs Bucks (57-22)
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
- Day/Time: Wednesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Bulls vs Bucks Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Take a Look At These Other 2 Milwaukee Bucks Special Articles
- Bucks vs Raptors Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
- Bucks vs Grizzlies Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Bulls vs Bucks Betting Lines
Bulls vs Bucks Picks and Prediction
According to NBA title odds, the Bucks are tied with the Celtics as the favorite to win the championship (+325). Milwaukee is the better team by a landslide. However, the Bulls are 3-1 ATS in their last four road games against the Bucks. Wing DeMar DeRozan (24.9 points) has also had Milwaukee’s numbers, averaging 39.3 points in the last three meetings. Take Chicago to cover the spread.
Milwaukee is listed at -260 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Bucks, you have a chance to win $38. Chicago is +210, offering a chance to win $210 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Milwaukee a 72.22% chance to win, with the Bulls at 32.26%.
Looking for the latest and best NBA finals odds? The odds for NBA championship are available at BetUS Sportsbook and Casino.
Bulls vs Bucks Trends
Bulls vs Bucks Edge
Bulls vs Bucks Results
Bulls vs Bucks Game Summary
Bucks vs Bulls Previous (Feb 16, 2023)
These teams are heading into the break with entirely different perspectives of the season. The Bucks have won 11 straight games, while the Bulls’ offense is falling apart despite the solid defense.
The Bucks should be able to make quick work of the Bulls and head into the break on an even higher note. Moving to a 12-game win streak might be easier if DeRozan is out.
