October 22, 2026 at 5:53 AM UTC

Pregame Analysis

Short-Handed Bulls Face a Bucks Team Looking for a Different Result

By How we produce articles

Chicago's thin lineup gives Milwaukee the edge at home, even after the Bulls' earlier win.

Chicago arrives in Milwaukee without two rotation pieces. Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury, which leaves the Bulls without their center, and Jordan Hawkins is out with an illness, which thins the backcourt further. Those absences cost Chicago depth in two different areas, and that is a lot to cover on the road.

The Bulls' frontcourt identity now rests on Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson. Both are expected to start at forward and anchor the rebuild. With no center behind them, they will carry more responsibility than the Bulls probably planned for, and Milwaukee can test that young group right away.

Chicago does have recent history on its side. The Bulls beat Milwaukee 125-104 in Milwaukee on Oct. 15, the most recent meeting between the teams. That result shows Chicago can score in this building, but the injury report changes the picture. The Bucks also get a second look at the Bulls' tendencies. Milwaukee's last tune-up, against Indiana on Oct. 16, finished 128-127, though sources disagree on whether it was a win or an overtime loss. Either way, it was a tight, high-scoring game.

The Bucks moved this one to a 4:00 PM EDT tip at Fiserv Forum to avoid a World Series conflict. Expect Chicago's young forwards to keep it competitive, but the missing center and the thinner guard rotation should show up over four quarters. I like Milwaukee to protect home court in a close game and avenge the earlier loss.

Prediction: Bucks 113, Bulls 109.

All game reports