The Chicago Bulls (6-1) and Milwaukee Bucks (5-3) meet Friday in an NBA Cup group stage matchup. Tip-off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bulls vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Split 2-2
Chicago escaped with a 113-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, pushing as a 2-point home favorite with the Under (240) cashing. G Josh Giddey recorded 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. C Nikola Vucevic hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 3 seconds remaining to cap a 19-point, 10-rebound performance and help the Bulls complete a 24-point comeback.
Milwaukee lost 128-100 to the Toronto Raptors Tuesday, failing to cover as a 2-point road underdog with the Under (237.5) hitting. The Bucks shot just 11-for-38 (28.9%) from deep and allowed 6 Raptors to finish in double figures as Toronto shot 44.7% (17-for-38) from beyond the arc. F Giannis Antetokounmpo underperformed, finishing with just 22 points and 8 rebounds on 14 shot attempts.
Bulls at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Bulls +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Bucks -175 (bet $175 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +4.5 (-115) | Bucks -4.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Bulls at Bucks key injuries
Bulls
G Ayo Dosunmu (quad) questionableG Coby White (calf) out
Bucks
G Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bulls at Bucks picks and predictionsPrediction
Bucks 131, Bulls 129
PASS.
I like the Bucks to win as -175 favorites, as I don’t see the Bulls having any answer for Antetokounmpo — especially with him coming off an underwhelming performance. However, the Bucks aren’t worth the risk since they’re favored too heavily. Pass here and bet the spread and/or O/U instead.
LEAN BULLS +4.5 (-115).
Chicago is 5-1-1 ATS this season, while the Bucks have dropped 3 straight ATS. While much of Chicago’s defensive success has come from opponents missing shots, its offense appears far more sustainable, driven by action and ball movement — something that will be very difficult for Milwaukee to guard. Look for Chicago’s ball movement to create open looks and easy offense, keeping this game close for the Bulls.
This is a lean, as there’s a very real possibility that this Chicago team regresses to the mean and starts looking like a lottery team again.
BET OVER 240.5 (-105).
Both teams rank in the top 10 in scoring offense and offensive rating and are mediocre at best defensively. Chicago and Milwaukee also rank in the top 6 in 3-point percentage. Combine that with Giddey’s recent play for Chicago and Antetokounmpo’s consistent dominance, and you have a matchup with all the makings of an offensive showdown.
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