The Bucks are just 2-9 at home after being routed by the Spurs and
only the Utah Jazz have a worse overall record. The Bulls could be
without forward Luol Deng (Achilles) for the fourth straight game
but center Joakim Noah (thigh) returned for Wednesday's loss to the
New York Knicks after missing the loss to Milwaukee one night
earlier. Chicago is just 2-9 on the road and has lost seven of nine
games since losing point guard Derrick Rose with a major knee
injury.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE BULLS (8-12): Chicago is just trying to keep from digging
too big of a hole during a period in which power forward Carlos
Boozer has been the only healthy starter. Versatile Jimmy Butler
(toe) also remains sidelined and Noah feels getting healthy will
lead to the start of stockpiling victories. "Losing sucks," Noah
said after the loss to the Knicks. "We've been through a lot this
year, a lot of adversity. But I think we have a positive group and I think you
can't get too down on yourself. We just got to move on to the next game and I
think as guys come back, as guys understand what their roles are, I think our
team will be a lot better."
[to top of second column] |
ABOUT THE BUCKS (5-17): A slew of injuries, a blowout contest
and the starting five fizzling for a grand total of 19 points
presented opportunities for rookies Nate Wolters, Giannis
Antetokounmpo and Miroslav Raduljica against the Spurs. All
three players recorded season-high point totals – Wolters (18),
Antetokounmpo (15) and Raduljica (10) – while combining to score
more than half of Milwaukee's points. "We do what we can do,
especially in a situation where we have a short bench," Raduljica said afterward.
"A lot of our veterans are injured so we have to get in there
and bring energy."
BUZZER-BEATERS
-
Chicago has won in each of its past six visits to Milwaukee.
-
Bulls F Mike Dunleavy has averaged 20 points over the past
three games, including a 24-point outing against the Bucks.
-
Bucks G O.J. Mayo is averaging five points on 3-of-16
shooting over the past two games.
PREDICTION: Bulls 84, Bucks 82
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