The Milwaukee Bucks will go in search of a first victory of the 2024-25 pre-season campaign when they face off against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Tuesday.
With just under a fortnight left before they meet again in the NBA proper, both teams will be looking to get a good gauge of what to expect at the Fiserv Arena on October 26.
Match preview
Returning to action in front of their fans after an opening loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Milwaukee Bucks fell short of the challenge of the Los Angeles Lakers in Friday's second warm-up outing.
Doc Rivers's men bounced back from a first-quarter deficit to take an eight-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes, where a 13-point turnaround—including 20 unreplied points—saw them suffer a 102-107 defeat.
Since bowing out of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers last season, the Bucks have now lost seven straight games across summer league and pre-season action, five of which have come by a double-digit margin.
One of the aforementioned Summer League defeats came at the hands of the Bulls, who picked up only a second win in the most recent eight editions of this fixture since February 2023.
Just over a week left before their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Bucks are running out of time to gain some momentum heading into their penultimate pre-season involvement.
Like their next opponents, the Chicago Bulls were also guilty of throwing away a lead last time out as they inexplicably let a 21-point advantage slip against the Memphis Grizzlies when the teams clashed on Sunday.
Led by Zach LaVine's 28-point performance (6-6 shooting from beyond the arc), Billy Donovan's men were on course for a second pre-season victory from as many outings before a youthful Grizzlies side rallied to win 124-121.
While Donovan would have been frustrated by his side's inability to see out the game, he would have undoubtedly been pleased with the performance of LaVine following an injury-derailed season for the shooting guard last time out.
LaVine's long-term future in Chicago remains up in the air, but it is clear he is currently focused on leading a new-look Bulls side after the exits of DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond.
The Bulls will now intensify their preparations for the upcoming campaign with games against the Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in quick succession before wrapping up pre-season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19.
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Team News
Delon Wright missed the Bucks' last outing with a right shoulder problem he sustained in practice, but the veteran guard is not expected to be out for a lengthy period.
Khris Middleton has not featured in pre-season yet and is expected to miss his side's game against the Bulls, although he could be available for Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo racked up 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks on his pre-season debut, and the "Greek Freak" is looking ready for the start of the new season.
Bulls' Patrick Williams is a huge doubt to take part here after jamming his wrist in the defeat to the Grizzlies as he endured a rough shooting night, making just one of his nine shot attempts.
Coby White (groin) and Lonzo Ball (knee) could be back for the Bulls, but Ayo Dosunmu is expected to miss out after picking up a shoulder problem last time out.
Twenty-four-year-old Jalen Smith has been unavailable of late with a sore knee and will be continuously assessed over the remaining pre-season schedule.
Milwaukee Bucks possible starting five:
Lillard, Trent Jr.; Prince, Antetokounmpo; Lopez
Chicago Bulls possible starting five:
Horton-Tucker, Giddey; LaVine, Craig; Vucevic
We say: Bucks to win by 5+ points
The Bucks have been largely underwhelming in recent weeks, but the return of star man Giannis Antetokounmpo should yield a change in fortune.
We are backing the Milwaukee-based outfit to emerge victorious and secure a much-needed return to winning ways.
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