Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks: Game outlook for final encounter

Dec 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at United Center. The Bucks won 116-96. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at United Center. The Bucks won 116-96. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
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Jimmy Butler, SF, Chicago Bulls
Dec 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball around Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at United Center. The Bucks won 116-96. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

With nine games to go, the Chicago Bulls travel north to Milwaukee to take on the surging Bucks.

Through the first three games against the young Bucks this season, the Bulls are 0-3. The tables have turned in a matchup that had usually favored Chicago for several years.

With the eighth seed on the line in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have it pretty easy down the stretch. After today’s game in Milwaukee, Chicago faces two playoff teams in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, but then play six straight against teams below them in the standings, including two against the league-worst Brooklyn Nets.

If the Bulls plan on making the playoffs, which they’ve said they are, they’ll have to take advantage of their late schedule to overtake the Miami Heat, who currently sit a game-and-a-half ahead of the ninth seed.

The Bucks have won 11 of their last 13 heading into this afternoon and are only behind Atlanta due to their 1-3 record in their season series against the Hawks. Both teams are shooting to move higher in the standings, so Sunday’s game is crucial.

Again, Cristiano Felicio will be out, limiting Fred Hoiberg‘s options at center.

On the flipside, the Bucks’ John Henson will also be out with injury.

Here are a few things to look out for in today’s game.