Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks: Position-By-Position Preview For The Playoffs

Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler vs Khris Middleton

Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) holds the ball as Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler and Khris Middleton have had similar experiences in the NBA in the sense that they were both late draft picks (Butler 30th overall & Middleton 39th) but have developed into solid go-to guys for their respective teams.

Butler has climbed up to a higher peak of the mountain in comparison, but Middleton is well on his way and has played very well this season. In nine career meetings, these are their head to head stats:

• Jimmy Butler: 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.1 steals, 44% from the field, and 80% on free throws
• Khris Middleton: 9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 42.3% from the field, and 100% on free throws

The only area where Middleton “bests” Jimmy is on free throws but Jimmy has actually been to the free throw line over quadruple the times Middleton has; Butler is 44-55 at the free throw line while Middleton is 13-13.

Butler’s total statistical dominance over Middleton gives him the edge alone, but his All-Star selection this year and possible Most Improved Player recognition by the end of the season put him far ahead in comparison to Middleton.

Advantage: Jimmy Butler

Next: Mike Dunleavy vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo