Bulls-Bucks Preseason Preview: Availability Will Shape Fiserv Forum Matchup

Thin rotations on both sides make this preseason game a test of depth, and Milwaukee's recent momentum gives it a slight edge.

CHI @ MIL Oct 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC

Preseason games like this one at Fiserv Forum are less about the final score than about who is actually on the floor. The availability picture is the story for both Chicago and Milwaukee.

The Bucks' main concern is depth. Rookie Nate Ament has an ankle sprain that he suffered against the Thunder and that kept him out of the Oct. 11 game against Charlotte, and the latest reports list him as out again. Guards Kasparas Jakučionis and Brayden Burries were also held out by coach's decision, which points to rotation or development choices rather than health problems. If that carries over, Milwaukee's backcourt minutes get thin and the veterans could see extended run. That could help Tyler Herro, who has had a relatively quiet start to the preseason. He is expected to be the primary scorer and a three-level shot creator, so extra touches could help him find rhythm as the Bucks work out his fit.

Chicago has its own questions. Nic Claxton (hamstring), Zach Collins (toe) and Isaac Okoro (undisclosed) are all questionable. If they sit, the Bulls' frontcourt and wing depth would be stretched, and Milwaukee's reserves would face fewer mismatches.

The Bucks bring some momentum after erasing a 24-point deficit to beat the Thunder 128-126, with Myles Turner scoring 19. That rally followed an earlier preseason loss to the Wolves, and it showed Milwaukee can recover when a game gets away from it. Both teams will likely lean on bench units, but the Bucks have the home floor and the more recent evidence of late-game resilience. I expect a sloppy but competitive game that Milwaukee pulls away from late.

Prediction: Bucks 114, Bulls 108.

All game reports