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 The return of Butler helped pumped life into a sagging squad and was
the impetus for halting the team's four-game losing streak. "Jimmy
makes a huge impact on both ends of the floor, especially on the
defensive end," Chicago center Pau Gasol told reporters. "His
physicality and his activity and energy make a big difference
because it kind of picks everybody up as well and sets the tone for
the rest of the guys. We need everyone to make a push." Butler has
averaged 31 points in two games against Milwaukee this season and
the Bucks arrive in Chicago with a porous 8-25 road mark. Milwaukee
has dropped four of its last six overall contests after suffering a
104-96 home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WPWR (Chicago)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (26-37): The development of small forward Giannis
Antetokounmpo as an emerging star continued when he posted 26
points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the loss to the Thunder. It
was the 21-year-old Antetokounmpo's third double-double of the
season - he is the first Milwaukee player since Alvin Robertson in
1990-91 to achieve that - and the performances have all come within
a span of seven games. "I thought Giannis was great," Bucks coach
Jason Kidd said afterward. "I don't know how much better he can get
but with those triple-doubles, you have to start adding wins."
[to top of second column] |
ABOUT THE BULLS (31-30): Chicago is part of a six-team group
fighting for the final four playoff spots in the Eastern Conference
and the players are well aware there is little margin for error.
"Every game for us is a playoff game if we really want to make the
playoffs," point guard Derrick Rose told reporters. "And I think
guys do so we just got to come out and keep giving this effort."
Butler wasn't the only key player to return against Houston as
forward Nikola Mirotic (appendectomy) also was back after a 16-game
absence.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The teams have split two meetings this season - with the home
club winning both times.
2. Milwaukee PG Michael Carter-Williams (knee) will likely miss his
fifth straight contest.
3. Gasol had 28 points and 17 rebounds against Houston for his
fourth double-double in six games.
PREDICTION: Bulls 102, Bucks 94
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