Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls Preview: Bucks Seek Series Win in Chicago

The Milwaukee Bucks play their first game in the United Center of the 2021 season tonight against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bucks won the first matchup of the season series in Milwaukee 126-96, and including tonight, they have one more matchup against each other before the regular season finally comes to an end.

Where We’re At

Well, hindsight is 20/20 but was it really necessary for Giannis Antetokounmpo to suit up against the Houston Rockets on Friday night? It’s impossible to predict an injury, but of course Giannis tweaks his right ankle only one minute into the game on a drive to the basket with Kelly Olynyk defending. He looked to be in quite a bit of pain, too. My issue is that the Bucks welcome the Brooklyn Nets to Milwaukee for a two-game set and who knows if Giannis will be available for that now after suffering another ankle injury. While you cannot predict someone getting hurt, it can be avoided!

Anyways, the Bucks were handed an embarrassing 136-143 loss to the Rockets that saw Kevin Porter Jr. torch them for 50 points and 11 assists. The Bucks gave up 25 makes from deep which is inexcusable regardless of who they had on the court on Friday. Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Bryn Forbes combined to drop 92 points and still lost. Incredible.

On the flip side, the Chicago Bulls lost 94-113 to the New York Knicks in their last contents. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 26 points and 18 rebounds in 37 minutes and Lauri Markkanen added 14 off the bench. Both will be busy tonight in the absence of Zach LaVine who is out due to health and safety protocols.

Player to Watch

I almost forgot about Lauri Markkanen and thought he was going to be a great player for the Bulls coming out of the University of Arizona. Nonetheless, here we are a few years into his career and this season feels like a make it or break it one for him. He’s shooting nearly 40% from deep this season and Chicago will need all they can get from him tonight in order to keep up with the Bucks, even if Giannis Antetokounmpo sits out.