The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Chicago Bulls as 3.5-point favorites, with the total set at 239.5 points. The NBA Cup continues Friday with its second day of group play, offering an early test for two Eastern Conference teams exceeding preseason expectations.
At 6-1, the Bulls lead the conference standings despite missing shooting guard Coby White, who is still recovering from a calf injury. White, who averaged 20.4 points per game last season, has yet to make his season debut.
Point guard Josh Giddey has been the driving force for Chicago, leading the team in points and assists while recording two triple-doubles. Giddey is currently the +320 favorite at FanDuel for the Most Improved Player award.
The Bucks entered the season with uncertainties after signing free agent center Myles Turner and facing a point guard dilemma following Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury. Coach Doc Rivers has managed to stabilize the offense despite the challenges.
Under Rivers, the Bucks have started 5-3. He has adjusted by inserting Ryan Rollins as the starting point guard, keeping Gary Trent Jr. Green off the ball to create spacing around the ball-dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo. The approach has contributed to Milwaukee’s strong offensive pace.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains a constant subplot, as any struggles would certainly heighten speculation of a wandering eye or potential trade demand.”
The team’s early results suggest that Rivers’ offensive adjustments are paying off, though questions about long-term consistency still linger.
The Bucks and Bulls clash in a crucial NBA Cup matchup, with Chicago’s surprising start meeting Milwaukee’s tactical resilience under Doc Rivers.