Bulls vs Bucks: Eastern Conference Showdown Preview

The Ultimate Eastern Rivalry Renewed

Two NBA powerhouses collide as the 6-1 Chicago Bulls travel to face the 5-3 Milwaukee Bucks in a crucial early-season showdown on November 7, 2025. This Central Division rivalry takes on added significance with both teams exceeding preseason expectations and battling for early conference supremacy.

Bulls' Surprising Rise Without Star

Despite missing shooting guard Coby White—last season's 20.4-point scorer still sidelined with a calf injury—the Bulls have emerged as the Eastern Conference's top team. Point guard Josh Giddey has spearheaded this unexpected success, leading Chicago in both points and assists while already recording two triple-doubles. His stellar performance has made him the +320 betting favorite for Most Improved Player at FanDuel.

This Bulls team has demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience, thriving in coach Billy Donovan's system. Their 120.4 points per game rank among the league's most potent offenses, making them a formidable challenge regardless of lineup changes.

Bucks' Adjustments Under Pressure

The Bucks enter this contest navigating significant roster changes and uncertainty. With Damian Lillard sidelined for the season, coach Doc Rivers has adapted by inserting Ryan Rollins as the starting point guard while maximizing spacing around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The offseason addition of Myles Turner has provided defensive versatility, though Giannis's future remains a constant subplot amid contract speculations.

Offensively, Milwaukee has shown marked improvement, averaging 1.149 points per 100 possessions—a significant uptick from last season. This surge stems from their 50.9% team shooting, fueled by sharpshooter A.J. Green's surprising dominance. The 23-year-old Green, who signed a four-year $45 million extension, has made at least three threes in all eight games while shooting 52.9% from beyond the arc.

Betting Insights & Matchup Analysis

The oddsmakers have installed Milwaukee as 3.5-point favorites with a total of 239.5 points. Key betting angles include:

• Spread: Milwaukee -3.5 (-110) vs. Chicago +3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Milwaukee -180 / Chicago +145
• Prop Pick: A.J. Green over 2.5 made 3-pointers (+132)

Defensively, the matchup features intriguing contrasts: Chicago's 115.6 points allowed rank among the league's best, while Milwaukee's 119.9 points scored barely edge that number. The Bulls' ability to contain Giannis in the paint could prove decisive in this high-stakes contest.

"This game serves as a litmus test for two teams exceeding expectations."
- NBA Analyst

How to Watch

When: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
TV: CHSN, FDSWI
Streaming: Fubo (subscription required)

Injury Watch

Bulls: Coby White (calf, out), Zach Collins (wrist, out), Ayo Dosunmu (quadricep, questionable)
Bucks: Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle, out), Taurean Prince (neck, questionable)

What's Next

For Chicago, a victory would solidify their status as legitimate contenders. For Milwaukee, avoiding an early-season stumble against a division rival is crucial as they jockey for playoff positioning. The winner gains significant momentum in the Eastern Conference race and potential seeding advantages for the upcoming NBA Cup tournament.