Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Preview of Season Game 3
The (15-7) Milwaukee Bucks take on the (9-15) Chicago Bulls Monday Night downtown at the Fiserv. It is time to get back to “reality” for NBA fans. This game against the Bulls is coming after a disappointing exit from the NBA’s in-season tournament. However, many fans and players have mixed emotions about the loss. It was great they made the “final four” but disappointing to lose to an upstart division rival.
The Bucks are going for the real thing anyways: the 2023-2024 NBA Championship.
This is the third time these teams have faced off against one another. The season series is all tied up, 1-1.The two teams will not meet again until March 1st.
Chicago has won four in a row. One of those four wins came against Milwaukee in a “fun” 120-113 overtime match-up.
“Even the sun can shine on a dog’s behind” as the old saying goes.
Related: “Where is Khris Middleton?”
Milwaukee Bucks keys to Victory
Win the 4th Quarter
Sometimes you have to wonder if NBA teams can fall into “cahoots” with one another. This idea is basically: we will let you score if you let us score and then we’ll play ‘for real’ in the 4th quarter.
If that is the case, that bodes well for Milwaukee.
The Bucks are +3.6 in the 2023-2024 season, the best in the NBA. Chicago is -0.1, or 16th in the league.
The Bucks have had many players step it up in clutch time. With everyone expected to play, it’d be nice to see that come to fruition tonight.
Outscore the opponent in the second half
This is also a good statistical metric so far for this veteran team. Milwaukee is 2nd in the NBA so far in second half scoring, averaging 62.9 points in the second half. They are only behind Indiana (65).
This key to victory also jives with the first; if you are going to win the third and fourth quarter it is going to be tough to lose the game.
For this game that seems to be the theme: score a bunch and play lock-down 4th quarter D.
The Opponent- The Bulls
What can we say about “Milwaukee South”?
This team has not flat-lined yet. In previous pieces and game previews between these two teams I’ve noted that this might be the “biggest bummer team” in all of the league. At (9-14) they haven’t blown the doors off anyone, yet.
This is a well-coached team. Billy Donovan has earned the respect of his players and of the franchise. He also coached OKC from 2015 to 2020. He favors a more “analytics” approach. For Donovan the “distribution of touches” really matters to a team.
That good coaching has helped keep this team afloat.
Coby White played well in Chicago’s OT win against the Bucks in scoring 23 points. He is having a good season.
DeMar DeRozan is a veteran star. He didn’t play in Chicago’s OT win.
Ayo Dosunmu is a good young player for the Bulls. Thought of as more “defensive-minded” Ayo is shooting an impressive 66% from the field.
Related Game One and Game Two Previews
Bobby Portis once played for the Bulls. They were foolish to let him go. He played out the 2019-2020 season with the Knicks, then came over to the Bucks.
Chicago added Jevon Carter to hopefully cover for the loss of Lonzo Ball. He hardly ever plays. But Carter does talk a lot of “smack” as was very evident in the Bulls OT victory.
They also added Derrick Favors, rookie Justin Lewis (Marquette) and journeyman Torey Craig. That might not be enough to get them back into serious contention.
Things to tell your buddies while you are watching the game
- It is always fun to think about the all-time greats. Who do you have in your all-time Bucks starting five?
- Do you believe in aliens? Would the aliens fire Adrian Griffin? Check it out here.
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