Milwaukee Bucks: Getting To Know Potential Playoff Opponents
By Rohan Katti
Chicago Bulls: Regular Season Series 3-1 Bucks
The Chicago Bulls are a very confusing team, to say the least. After making one of the splashiest signings in Dwyane Wade, the Bulls have been on a rollercoaster of winning and losing throughout the season.
All-Star Jimmy Butler has been dominating opponents all season long, averaging 23.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Somehow-now-a-journeyman, Rajon Rondo has upped his game through the season’s final stretch, and the Bulls have won six of their last nine games as a result.
Chicago’s management didn’t seem like they were expecting the team to make a run, as they ruled out Dwyane Wade for the rest of the season on Mar. 15 after suffering an elbow injury. However, Wade returned on Apr. 8, adding more fuel to their late season push.
The season series with the Bulls was not particularly close to begin with, which is promising for the Bucks chances if these two teams were to somehow meet in a seven-game series down the road. Finishing the season series 3-1 Bucks, Milwaukee won the first three games by an average of 18 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 27.3 points against the Bulls this year, showing how he could get to the rim with ease. The wing depth outside of Butler would make it difficult for the Bulls to contain Khris Middleton as well as Giannis.
Former Buck Michael Carter-Williams has struggled mightily in his stint with the Bulls, but that sets him up for a potential — but extremely unlikely — revenge game. Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler are both playoff veterans, so it is never wise to bet against them willing their team to victory, but the Bucks have had Chicago’s number this season.