Bulls primed to blow past Bucks?
The return of one of the NBA’s most versatile players has given Chicago new life entering tonight’s all-important matchup against Milwaukee at 8 p.m. ET.
According to online sports book BetDSI’s oddsmakers, Jimmy Butler’s Bulls are installed as 7-point home favorites over the Bucks. The over/under rests at 207 points for the fifth-year standout’s second game back from a prolonged absence.
In Saturday’s 108-100 win over Houston, Butler posted 24 points and 11 rebounds. It was a commanding individual performance that quelled any concerns about his bothersome left knee.
Mirotic also operating full bore
What’s more, Chicago (31-30) began to rediscover its collective identify on the defensive end. The Bulls had permitted an uncharacteristic 109.7 points per tilt during Butler’s month-long layoff.
Fred Hoiberg’s group remains in a precarious playoff position on account of a 4-9 stretch. The Bucks (26-37), however, enter the United Center at just the right time – barely 24 hours removed from a 104-96 loss to Oklahoma City.
Despite a tighter-than-expected fourth quarter, the Thunder extended Milwaukee’s season-misery. The lone bright for Jason Kidd’s crew: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s third triple-double in seven contests.
Butler boasts boffo statistics of his own, though, particularly vs. the Bucks. The Marquette product has tallied 30 points in both meetings this campaign while adding 16 assists.
Even the Greek Freak remains powerless to prevent that kind of production.
MONDAY NBA FREE PICK: BULLS-7
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