Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24

At 8:00 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-137) will travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls (+115). The Bucks are currently favored by 2.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 229.5.

Chicago is currently on a three-game losing streak and is 10th in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is 5th in the East and 2nd in the Central Division.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS CHICAGO BULLS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago Bulls +2.5

This game will be played at United Center at 8:00 ET on Saturday, December 28th.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO BULLS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 141-139 in favor of the Bucks.
• Our projections have Giannis Antetokounmpo finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
• From the field, we have the Bucks finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.1% and knocking down 17 threes.

Can The Bucks Secure a Road Victory?

The Bucks dropped to 16-13 on the season after a 111-105 loss to the Nets on Thursday. Milwaukee, favored by 6.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 216 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 205.5 by 10.5 points.

Milwaukee appeared to be in control after a strong 2nd quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 34-24. However, the Bucks couldn’t hold onto their 82-76 lead going into the 4th quarter, where they were outscored 35-23.

In their 111-105 loss to the Nets, the Bucks shot 49.4% from the field and hit 15 threes at a 39.5% clip. Khris Middleton led the way with 21 points, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Brook Lopez contributed 20 points and 7 boards, hitting 4 threes at 80% efficiency.

Middleton scored 12 of his 21 points in the 4th quarter, and Lopez added 13 points in the 2nd. Bobby Portis was consistent, scoring 6 points in each of the first three quarters, finishing with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Defensively, the Bucks were solid through three quarters, but a 35-point 4th quarter from the Nets proved costly in their 111-105 loss. Milwaukee held Brooklyn to 47% shooting overall, but the Nets found success from beyond the arc, hitting 16 threes at a 42% clip.

The Bucks sent the Nets to the line 22 times, where they converted 17 free throws. Milwaukee gave up 9 offensive rebounds while recording 12 steals and 3 blocks.

No Pressure for Chicago as Home Dogs

The Bulls fell to 13-18 on the season after a 141-133 road loss to the Hawks on Thursday. Chicago, who entered the game as +5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 274 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 241.5 by 32.5 points.

Chicago appeared to be in control after a 10-0 run early and a 108-91 lead heading into the 4th quarter. However, they were outscored 50-25 in the final period, leading to the loss.

Zach LaVine hit 7 threes at a 77.8% clip, finishing with 37 points and 7 assists in the Bulls’ 141-133 loss to the Hawks. Jevon Carter also made 7 threes, shooting 63.6% from deep and adding 26 points, while Coby White contributed 23 points and 9 assists, hitting 5 threes at 62.5%.

As a team, the Bulls connected on 22 threes, shooting 51.2% from beyond the arc and 54.1% overall. LaVine scored 22 points in the 3rd quarter, while Carter added 19 of his points in the opening period.

Despite a strong defensive start, the Bulls couldn’t hold the Hawks in check, giving up 141 points in the loss. Chicago allowed 50 points in the 4th quarter, after giving up 38 in the 3rd. Atlanta shot 51% from the field.

The Bulls allowed 17 threes on 37% shooting and sent the Hawks to the line 34 times, where they hit 32 free throws. Chicago finished with 8 steals and 1 block.