Bucks Zone

GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks face the struggling Chicago Bulls

The Bucks look to keep their mini-streak going.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks target a fourth-straight victory when they play the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night at the United Center.

Milwaukee has gone on a three-game winning streak since taking a 116-119 loss to the Boston Celtics on November 22nd.

Quick recovery

The loss to Boston snapped Milwaukee’s season-high five-game winning streak. Milwaukee quickly got back on track by beating the Washington Wizards, 131-128, then posted a come-from-behind 108-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Bucks pocketed a third-straight win by beating the Miami Heat, 131-124, in an NBA In-Season Tournament duel on Tuesday night. The win over Miami allowed Milwaukee to sweep the East Group B and advance to the knockout quarterfinal contest against the New York Knicks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were superb in Milwaukee’s last three wins after scoring at least 30 points apiece in each of those victories.

A second-straight win against the Bulls this season would push the Bucks to solo second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Milwaukee beat Chicago in their first meeting on November 13th, 118-109.

Milwaukee is currently tied with the Orlando Magic at second spot with identical 13-5 records. Boston leads the East with a 14-4 record. The Bucks are 5-4 on the road this season, while Chicago is 4-6 at home.

With a 5-14 card, the Bulls, who are on a five-game losing streak, are in 13th place in the East standings.

Injury report

Pat Connuaghton (ankle) and Jae Crowder (left adductor surgery) are out for the Bucks.

Alex Caruso (toe), DeMar DeRozan (ankle), and Zach LaVine (foot) are listed as questionable for the Bulls. Lonzo Ball is rehabilitating after a cartilage transplant surgery.

Milwaukee Bucks drop to no. 2 in The Athletic’s Power Rankings

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.