Scouting report for Milwaukee Bucks in first round series vs. Chicago Bulls

The 2022 NBA Playoffs have officially arrived, and the quest to repeat as NBA Champions for the Milwaukee Bucks begins with a first-round matchup against the sixth-seeded Chicago Bulls.

After earning the third seed for the second consecutive year with a 51-31 regular season record, the Bucks should feel fortunate about their initial postseason opponent. Milwaukee swept the season series vs Chicago 4-0 in impressive fashion, including a 127-106 blowout win during their last meeting on April 5th.

The Bucks won 126-98, 118-112, and 94-90 in the other three meetings this season. Across the last 16 matchups between this historic rivalry, the Bucks are a dominant 15-1 against the Bulls.

As the Milwaukee Bucks aim to defend the title in the playoffs, we take a look at the scouting report against their first-round opponent, the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago has struggled tremendously against the Milwaukee Bucks since coach Mike Budenholzer took over in 2018. Under Budenholzer, the Bucks are undefeated, 12-0, against the Bulls when two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has played.

There’s no sign suggesting that Chicago’s struggles will suddenly vanish during this first-round series. Following a hot start to the 2021-22 season in which the Bulls stood atop the Eastern Conference for a healthy stretch, they folded to a might extent to conclude the regular season.

While the Bucks were consistent for the majority of the season, the Bulls quickly went from one of the most exciting teams in the league to one of the most disappointing teams. Of course, injuries played a major part in the team’s swift downfall, but most teams, including the Bucks, have dealt with injuries all season as well.

Lonzo Ball has been ruled out for the season with a left knee injury, which is a massive blow to the Bulls’ chances in this series. Chicago had a 24-23 record this season without Ball. His superior defensive and playmaking abilities will surely be missed. Other than Lonzo Ball, the injury report for both clubs should be clean for the most part.

Let’s take a look at the scouting report of the Lonzo-less Bulls and what the Milwaukee Bucks should be preparing for ahead of this first-round matchup in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.