Milwaukee Steps Up
The Milwaukee Bucks reclaimed home court advantage by beating down on the Chicago Bulls 111-81 in Game 3 and will look to set up a close-out game on their home floor by securing another road win in Chicago.
Despite being without Khris Middleton, the Bucks showed their ability to reach another level in the playoffs as they throttled the Bulls on their home court. Chicago needs to show a response if they’re to give itself a chance at causing an upset, but the Bulls need to show an ability to make adjustments after Milwaukee clamped down on their offense.
Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury updates and NBA betting lines ahead of Game 4 of the Bucks vs Bulls series.
Let’s check the latest NBA Picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA Odds for Bucks vs Bulls. We’ve plenty of NBA Playoffs Odds for you to consider.
Bucks Bench Stepped Up
The Bucks have had plenty of opportunity to get used to being without one of their stars this season given the number of games missed by either Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Middleton.
Even with that they were still impressive in how they managed to come out and perform from the opening tip as they completed a wire-to-wire win in Game 3.
Grayson Allen led the way for the second unit as he recorded 22 points as Milwaukee recorded a 42-26 edge in bench scoring.
That level of production was needed and if they can replicate that it’s difficult to see where Chicago gets the necessary boost to keep pace should a similar game script take place in Game 4.
More important was the adjustments and efforts made on the defensive end to force Chicago away from their usual offense. The Bulls had no answers for the adjustments and now the issue lies in the hands of Billy Donovan to show something different that can help stem the tide and swing momentum back in favor of his team.
Chicago Looking One-Dimensional
The Bulls offense were made to look stagnant and predictable from the opening tip, which allowed Milwaukee to play off live rebounds and push in transition.
“We need to look at the film and figure out how we can do a better job of matching force with force,” Bulls star Zach LaVine said after the game.
It wasn’t just the scoring that was completely lopsided either. The Bucks owned a +12 rebounding advantage and were +4 in turnovers — both of which played a large part in ensuring the Bucks remained dominant throughout the entirety of the contest.
Chicago needed to do a better job on the glass — this was the third straight game in the series where the Bulls were outrebounded and those small edges are beginning to play a big role in how this series is being determined.
As it stands, only an outlier shooting night in Game 2 has prevented Milwaukee from being 3-0 up in this series. By all metrics, this has been a fairly dominant display from the Bucks so far and unless the Bulls are able to find a way to alter their style and approach it could be easy pickings for Milwaukee going forward.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Head-to-Head
The Milwaukee Bucks were 111-81 winners in Game 3, comfortably covering the -3.0 closing line.
The Bucks currently lead this first-round series 2-1, but are 1-2 against-the-spread (ATS) so far. Milwaukee has now won 17 of the past 19 meetings between these teams.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Information
- Game: Chicago Bulls (46-36) v Milwaukee Bucks (51-31)
- Location: United Center
- Day/Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Betting Lines
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
The Bucks were impressive in a number of ways in Game 3 and the changes from Chicago to overcome such a deficit seem too much to ask in such a short period of time.
We predicted a big Milwaukee win in Game 2 that never came to fruition, but one that certainly appeared in all facets in Game 3.
The sportsbook makers certainly over-adjusted their lines to Middleton being out for Game 3, but the market did eventually correct itself after pushing to a -3.0 across the board after opening at -1½ in favor of the road team.
I like the Bucks to continue making the small adjustments required to impose their overall dominance in this series. The Bulls haven’t won a home playoff game since 2015 and I think there’s a good chance they have to wait longer to break that drought.
If you’re looking to bet online in this game be sure to lay the points with the Bucks.
