Scouting report for Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls: Depth
While the Milwaukee Bucks have one of the deepest rosters in the league, the Bulls’ roster is not as deep compared to the defending champions. Depth is a substantial strength for the Bucks, but not for Chicago.
After losing Lonzo Ball, the Bulls will likely enter the playoffs with a nine-or ten-man rotation.
Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic will likely start for the Bulls. If Ayo Dosunmu doesn’t start at point guard over Caruso, then he’ll come off the bench with Coby White, Tristan Thompson, and options of Derrick Jones Jr., Javonte Green, and Troy Brown Jr.
On paper, the Bucks certainly have the advantage quality-wise, matchup-wise, and depth-wise. It wasn’t a fluke that the Bulls were swept by the Bucks in the regular season, and matchups and depth were significant reasons why.
In terms of matchups amongst the starting lineups, Jrue Holiday will likely start on Lavine, Wesley Matthews on DeRozan, Giannis Antetokounmpo on Williams, Brook Lopez on Vucevic, and Middleton on either Caruso or Dosunmu (whoever starts at the other guard spot). Although, the Bucks are so versatile that they can always switch up the assignments.
Middleton can also defend LaVine or DeRozan if needed, Antetokounmpo can pick up anybody, and the Bucks might opt to switch more defensively anyway. The Bucks have the clear advantage in this matchup and should have the edge throughout the series.
If the Milwaukee Bucks can efficiently execute on both ends of the floor, win the star matchups, contain the 3-point line, receive their normal production from Giannis Antetokounmpo, and overwhelm the Bulls with the deepest roster that they’ve ever assembled, this should be a quick first-round series for the reigning NBA champions.