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Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction and Odds (Chicago Will Empty the Tank to Avoid Play-In Game)

By Ben Heisler

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan will need another monster outing at home to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks as 4.5-point underdogs on their home floor.
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan will need another monster outing at home to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks as 4.5-point underdogs on their home floor. / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks can sweep away their I-94 rivals for the season when they travel to Chicago to face off with the Bulls for the final time this season.

Both teams are both vying for improved playoff positioning in the East. Milwaukee (48-30), currently in third, is just a half game back of the No. 2 Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, he Bulls tied with the Toronto Raptors in the 5-spot at 45-33. Chicago could still fall to the Play-In Tournament if they struggle down the stretch, and the Raptors and Cavaliers both win.

Each team comes off disapointing losses over the weekend, with the Bulls suffering another blowout to the Miami Heat, and the Bucks falling to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks at home.

Who turns it around tonight? Here's the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Bucks vs. Bulls Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Bucks -4.5 (-110)
  • Bulls +4.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Bucks -190
  • Bulls +160

Total:

  • 229.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction and Pick

At some point, the Bulls have to start winning against the better teams in the league if they're going to be taken seriously.

They're just 2-19 against the top-four teams in the East and West this year, and are 22-23 straight up vs. teams above .500 this year (23-10 vs. under .500 teams).

So why even give Chicago a chance to cover the 4.5 at home vs. the Bucks?

They've been very good at home; 27-11 straight up this season and are 25-13-0 ATS this season. They've also played the Bucks in two close games prior to the 126-98 blowout they suffered a few weeks ago in Milwaukee.

The Bucks have also not looked great since that dominant win over Chicago. They're 3-3 in their last six games, come off a 118-112 home loss to Dallas, and have struggled to find much offensive consistency. Kris Middleton comes off an 11-point game where he shot 0 for 7 from three-point range.

Chicago ultimately has more to lose here than Milwaukee, and I think they empty the tank to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs. One more win, or a Cavaliers loss helps them avoid the Play-In round.

LEAN: Bulls +4.5 (-110)

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