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Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks: What you need to know before tip-off

By Michael Whitlow

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 03: Jerian Grant #2 of the Chicago Bulls drives against DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a preseason game at the Smoothie King Center on October 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 03: Jerian Grant #2 of the Chicago Bulls drives against DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a preseason game at the Smoothie King Center on October 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Here’s everything you need to know before the Chicago Bulls face off with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night in Chicago for the Bulls’ home preseason opener.

The Chicago Bulls have a busy week with two games over the next three days in Chicago, starting with a meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night at the United Center.

After a big comeback victory in New Orleans during the preseason opener against the Pelicans, the Bulls took a step back with being on the wrong side of a drubbing in Dallas on Wednesday against the Mavericks. Preseason or not, losing by almost 50 points and scoring just 45 points over the final three quarters is just poor.

But, that’s the beauty of the NBA season. There’s usually another game on the horizon. Even on Cubs playoff game days.

Here’s some of the main things you need to know about Friday’s meeting for the Bulls against the division rival Bucks.

Jerian Grant gets the start at PG, Nikola Mirotic starts at PF

According to Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg, the Bulls will be starting a different starting five for the third consecutive game on Friday.

For the second time in three games, both Jerian Grant and Nikola Mirotic will get the start, while Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis both come off the bench for the Bulls.

Lauri Markkanen WILL NOT play on Friday night vs. the Bucks

Although he’s taking contact in practice and appears to making strides towards making his Bulls debut, rookie Lauri Markkanen will not be suiting up to play on Friday against Milwaukee.

It’s also notable that Markkanen could play on Sunday against the Pelicans (again). Markkanen hasn’t played in a game since the final game of Finland’s run in EuroBasket 2017.

Giannis Antetokounmpo WILL play on Friday night vs. the Bulls

Despite the tragic loss of his father recently, Bucks megastar Giannis Antetokounmpo will suit up and play for the Bucks against the Bulls on Friday night.

Antetokounmpo didn’t play in the first two preseason games for the Bucks against Dallas and Indiana, but he’ll be in action on Friday, which is good to see.

Next: Here's how you can watch the Bulls take on the Bucks

You can catch all of the action between the Bulls and Bucks on NBC Sports Chicago starting at 7 p.m. CT.

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