The Eastern Conference sees a critical matchup as the teams, currently positioned 9th and 11th, with only 1.5 games separating them, battle for playoff positioning. Looking back at their first encounter this season (November 8, 2025), the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Chicago Bulls with a 126-110 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, while the Bulls' DeMar DeRozan managed only 22 points, and the team's three-point shooting was a dismal 28%. The Chicago Bulls have shown inconsistent form recently, with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, averaging 112.3 points per game and ranking 18th in defensive efficiency. While Zach LaVine's return has improved their offense, their bench scoring remains a weakness, averaging only 29.4 points (5th worst in the league). In contrast, despite their lower ranking, the Milwaukee Bucks have a net score of +6.2 points in their last 5 games. The duo of Damian Lillard and Antetokounmpo drive the team's offensive efficiency, placing them 6th in the league at 118.7 points per 100 possessions. Antetokounmpo averages 29.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, with a true shooting percentage of 61.2%. The Bulls rely on DeRozan (24.1 points) and Nikola Vucevic (19.3 points, 10.8 rebounds) for their mid-range offense, but lack top-tier ball-handling creators. Defensively, the Bucks limit opponents to 34.1% from three-point range (4th in the league), while the Bulls' perimeter defense has significant vulnerabilities (37.8% allowed). Furthermore, the Bucks average 15.2 fast-break points, far exceeding the Bulls' 9.8, giving them a significant advantage in transition. Although the Bucks have a slight edge in offensive and defensive efficiency, star power, and tactical versatility, the Bulls are playing at home and desperately need a win to solidify their position. The outcome of the game will likely depend on three-point shooting and turnover control. Recommendation: -5.5, Chicago Bulls, Home