Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls odds and best bet

I know I mentioned it in the NBA column the other day, but I really hope you didn't miss the Miami-Milwaukee game on Wednesday. Here is hoping we get something comparable Friday with another battle of Eastern Conference contenders.

We definitely have star power with Giannis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, all of who were All-Stars this season. Plus, don't forget about the likes of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, they will burn you if they are not given enough attention. Just ask Miami, as Holiday scored the winning points against the Heat on Wednesday with just a couple of seconds left, capping an amazing comeback. 

These teams are in the same division but have only met once so far this season, a 94-90 win by the Bucks at home. That kind of low-scoring game is a major anomaly for a couple of teams that are more into scoring than defending. Also, DeRozan and LaVine missed that one, so you can bet the Bulls are liking their chances to put up some point a lot better Friday. 

The line on this one is very telling. Chicago has been a home underdog only seven times this season. They are 3-4 SU and 4-3 ATS in those games.  

Game Info

Milwaukee Bucks (38-25) vs. Chicago Bulls (39-24)
Friday, March 4, 2022
7:30 p.m. ET
United Center, Chicago, Ill.
ESPN

Betting Odds

Spread: Bucks -3.5 (-110), Bulls +3.5 (-110)
Total: 240.5
Moneyline: Bucks -160, Bulls +130

Best Bet

Bucks -3.5

Chicago is still missing a couple of starters in forward Patrick Williams and guard Lonzo Ball. Those two are probably their best defensive players, too, with Williams giving them some hope against Giannis, who scored 30 against Chicago the last time they played. 

That game was close, as the Bucks were working Holiday back into the lineup after some time lost. For this one, the Big Three for the Bucks are in great shape and they keyed the 21-6 run the Bucks had against Miami to steal a win. They are going to be feeling great and I am looking for more of the same Friday, but I think the Bucks are likely to be in control of the game throughout. Chicago does not play defense the way that Miami does, and the Heat were able to get Giannis off his game for the first three quarters.

As we have seen over the last couple of years, letting Giannis get his and hoping his teammates struggle is not a winning formula. Just ask the Phoenix Suns.

Chicago is no pushover at home, but this is not a good spot for them. When you look at their record you see a 24-9 SU and 22-11 ATS at the United Center but it is because their offense picks up by about five PPG. Their defense does not improve much, and if you can't slow down Milwaukee, it is just a matter of time. They are just too explosive.

Kudos to the Bulls for their general improvement, but they are not upper tier in the East despite their record. We will see that Friday night.