The Chicago Bulls (0-1) and Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) meet Friday in their first of 4 matchups in the 2026-27 season. Tip from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is set for 4 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Bulls vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Bucks won 3-1, including both games at home
The Bulls were demolished 135-92 at the Toronto Raptors in their season-opening contest Wednesday. They failed to cover as a 5.5-point road favorite with the Over (224.5) cashing. Chicago struggled out of the gate and was down 20 points at the end of the first quarter. F Matas Buzelis led with 17 points while No. 4 overall pick F Caleb Wilson scored 16 points and had 4 rebounds.
The
Bucks went to the nation's capital Wednesday and lost 128-116 in their season-opener to the Washington Wizards, failing to cover as a 10.5-point underdog as the Over (232.5) hit. They started the fourth quarter with a 3-point lead, but were outscored 38-23. G Tyler Herro, who came to Milwaukee in the F Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, put up a team-high 24 points on 9 for 21 shooting and had 9 assists.
Watch the NBA on Fubo!
Bulls at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 9:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bulls -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Bucks -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +1.5 (-118) | Bucks -1.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 239.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Bulls at Bucks key injuries
Bulls
- C Nic Claxton (hamstring) out
- F Zach Collins (quadriceps) probable
- G Josh Giddey (wrist) probable
Bucks
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bulls at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 125, Bulls 121
Moneyline
PASS.
Bucks -110 is fine if you don't want to fool around with the points, but the spread is the better value.
Against the spread
BET BUCKS -1.5 (-102).
At home, the Bucks should find a way to come out on top and have the far more experienced roster. Milwaukee hung in with Washington for 36 minutes, while the Bulls showed little life from the start in their opener.
Chicago shot just 11% from deep, and its starters went 3 for 25 from downtown. It also committed 26 turnovers, 8 of which were by the rookie Wilson. Those struggles don't change overnight, and their first opponent, Toronto, isn't among the premier Eastern Conference sides either. The Bucks have Herro, F Jamie Jaquez Jr. and C Myles Turner, each of whom clocked over 31 minutes in the opener.
Expect those stars to lead them to their first win of the season at home.
Over/Under
BET OVER 239.5 (-110).
Neither side played much of any defense to start the season, and both teams have players, namely Herro, Jaquez Jr., Giddey and Wilson, who want to get out and run often. Chicago sits 29th (128.4), and Milwaukee ranks 25th (123.1) in defensive rating after its first game, and while the sample size isn't large enough to take away much, both are consistent with how they ended a season ago.
Expect ample scoring chances and take OVER 239.5 (-110).
Best prop bet
Bulls F CALEB WILSON OVER 17.5 POINTS (-105).
Wilson wasn't efficient in his first NBA game, but he was involved.
He's going to be a pillar of this program for years to come, and he should see ample opportunity. Wilson put up 21 shots Wednesday, making 7, with no other Bulls player topping 10 attempts. Expect him to be more efficient, at least in the scoring department, against a weaker defensive side in Milwaukee.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Lakers Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.













