Bulls vs. Bucks March 22 NBA Betting Preview & Prediction

The 2021-22 NBA season continues on Tuesday, March 22 with a major Eastern Conference showdown between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

After losing three games in a row, the Bulls snapped their skid on Monday with a 113-99 win over the visiting Toronto Raptors. The duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan paced their teammates with 26 points apiece, while Nikola Vucevic had a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Meanwhile, the Bucks haven’t played since Saturday’s 138-119 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup, none of Milwaukee’s players finished without 15 points. Needless to say, the Bucks will look to get things back on track tonight.

Here’s a look at the odds and a preview for tonight’s Bulls vs Bucks game, as well as a prediction.

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Info and Betting Odds

Matchup Info

• Game Matchup: Chicago Bulls (42-29, 5th in Eastern Conference) vs Milwaukee Bucks (44-27, 3rd in Eastern Conference)
• Venue & Location: Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
• Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: BSWI, NBC-Chicago

Bulls vs Bucks Betting Odds

• Spread: Chicago Bulls +7.5 (-110), Milwaukee Bucks -7.5 (-110)
• Total: OVER 233 (-110), UNDER 224.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Chicago Bulls +215, Milwaukee Bucks -260

Odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook.

Bulls Must Prove Skid is Over

Prior to Monday’s victory, life was rough for the Bulls. In addition to a recent three-game losing streak, they’ve actually lost eight of their last 11 games, which sent them tumbling down the Eastern Conference standings.

A big part of Chicago’s recent regression was that DeRozan has gone back to playing like his “normal” self. There was that stretch when he was averaging 35-plus points on .500-plus shooting, but he’s since dropped down to 25.0 PPG on .434/.333/.897 splits over the last 11 games.

Fortunately, DeRozan has been great in two previous games against the Bucks this season. He’s averaged 32.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in that pair of games, so only time will tell if he can continue that trend on the road tonight.

One way that the Bulls can give themselves the best chance to defeat the Bucks is if their players can hit their free throws. Chicago was 14-for-24 (.583) from the free-throw line on Monday, which just isn’t going to cut it ahead of the season’s final stretch.

In terms of betting odds, it’s intriguing to see the Bulls as a 7.5-point underdog when the Bucks aren’t that much further ahead of them in the standings. Nevertheless, it’s important to point out that the Bulls are 14-20-1 against the spread (ATS) on the road this season. They’re also 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games, so there’s a good chance that oddsmakers know what they’re talking about.

One big factor behind the spread could be that Giannis Antetokounmpo is probably to play for Milwaukee tonight. The Bulls really aren’t equipped to match up with him, especially with Vucevic’s defense being shaky all season. Nevertheless, if the ‘Greek Freak’ can be successfully slowed down, Chicago has a great chance to prove that its losing ways are over.

Giannis’ Return Gives Bucks a Boost

It doesn’t even need to be stated just how important Giannis Antetokounmpo is to the Bucks. He’s averaging 29.8 PTS/11.5 REB/5.8 AST — with the first two statistics being improvements over last year’s averages — in 59 games this season.

Antetokounmpo is at the top of a lot of experts’ NBA MVP races and for good reason. The Bucks are 5-7 when their superstar isn’t in the lineup this season, which includes three losses in their last four games without the 27-year-old.

At the end of the day, the Bucks didn’t have much of an inside offensive presence against the Timberwolves without Antetokounmpo. Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez and Serge Ibaka combined for a total of 24 points, which is a total that the ‘Greek Freak’ has surpassed in 11 of his last 12 outings.

Nevertheless, Milwaukee does have a lot more momentum than Chicago ahead of tonight’s clash. While Saturday’s loss was nothing to be proud of, the Bucks have won eight of their last 10 games, including four straight at the Fiserv Forum.

Although 7.5 points is quite a spread to cover, the Bucks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games. Additionally, they’re also 6-0 straight up in their last six home games against the Bulls, while holding Chicago to fewer than 100 points in three of those occasions.

At the end of the day, Antetokounmpo’s return to the lineup following a one-game absence will likely have an impact. He’s averaging 32.0 PTS/14.0 REB/4.0 AST in two games against the Bulls already this season, so look for that trend to continue tonight.

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Best Bets

Milwaukee Bucks 124, Chicago Bulls 115 (Over 233, -110)

Although they’re close in the standings, the Bucks have a much more well-rounded and deeper team compared to the Bulls. While I think Milwaukee will win this contest (and it could be a blowout), I’m sticking going with the total hitting over 233 points at -110 odds.

The total has hit the over in 13 of the Bucks’ last 18 games and they sure have the firepower to do their part in getting there again — especially with Antetokounmpo back. On the other hand, the Bulls’ defense has been lacking lately, surrendering at least 125 points in two of their last three games.

Although this game could’ve been closer earlier in the season, look for the Bucks to further establish themselves as one of the Eastern Conference’s top threats.