Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls 23 October 2026 Prediction

Milwaukee and Chicago enter the new season as underdogs in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are adjusting to life without Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Bulls are developing a young roster under manager Tiago Splitter. Which team has the edge in their head-to-head matchup?

Herro Takes on a Bigger Role

Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami leaves Milwaukee with a less experienced roster that needs time to develop chemistry. Manager Taylor Jenkins tried several lineup combinations in the preseason, but the Bucks finished 2-3, with all three losses coming by at least 15 points. They struggled whenever their regular starters played limited minutes or sat out.

Tyler Herro is expected to lead the offense after returning to his hometown following seven years in Miami. In his final preseason game, he scored 25 points in 23 minutes and made 5 of 7 three-pointers. The supporting cast remains a concern. Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner have seen declines in most statistical categories since joining Milwaukee, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is still settling in, and the bench has offered little production. Rookie Burris was a bright spot, scoring at least 14 points in three of his four preseason appearances.

Milwaukee Bucks Predicted Lineup: Rollins – Herro, Jaquez Jr. – Kuzma, Turner

Out: None

Manager: Taylor Jenkins

Chicago Plans to Keep Playing at a Fast Pace

Splitter has kept the up-tempo approach Chicago used under Billy Donovan. The Bulls scored at least 124 points in four of five preseason games: wins over Phoenix (124-117), Milwaukee’s reserves (125-104), and Minnesota (133-116), plus a loss to Denver (128-133). Their other loss came against Memphis (100-104).

Josh Giddey will again direct the offense. He has helped Matas Buzelis develop, while rookie Wilson has earned a starting spot. Chicago could have trouble in the paint, though, with summer acquisition Nic Claxton sidelined until November by a thigh injury. Jalen Smith is expected to start at center, a role he has rarely held full-time. The 2021-22 season was the only one in which he averaged more than 21 minutes per game.

Chicago Bulls Predicted Lineup: Giddey – Powell, Buzelis – Wilson, Smith

Out: Claxton (injury)

Manager: Tiago Splitter

Milwaukee Won Last Season’s Series

The Bucks won three of their four regular-season meetings with the Bulls in 2025-26, by scores of 126-110, 112-103, and 131-115. Chicago’s lone win was 120-97.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction: Chicago Bulls Handicap +2.5

Main pick: Milwaukee is still adjusting to Antetokounmpo’s departure and lacks depth. Even in preseason wins over Oklahoma City (128-126) and Indiana (128-127), the Bucks won by no more than two points against opponents that were not using their top players. Chicago’s ball movement with Giddey, Buzelis, and Wilson gives it a chance to stay close despite Claxton’s absence. The pick is Chicago Bulls +2.5.

Total pick: Both teams favor a fast pace. Chicago scored at least 124 points in four of its five preseason games but also gave up plenty of points. Milwaukee may need to keep up offensively because its defense has yet to prove reliable. Consider over 235.5 points.