Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: 3 keys to stopping Bucks ahead of Friday night’s matchup

By Candice Evans

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Troy Brown Jr. #7 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Troy Brown Jr. #7 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bulls will look to get a much needed win over an elite team Friday night as they take on the Bucks at the United Center.

The Bulls are currently 2-12 against teams with at least a .600 winning percentage, causing fans and experts to question their title run legitimacy. On Friday night, they take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who currently sit two games back of the Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings.

While the Bucks’ winning percentage is below .600, they did take the first matchup against the Bulls in mid-January. As the playoffs drawer closer, the Bulls will need to secure their spot among the top three seeds in the East and gain momentum to carry into the playoffs.

A win over the defending champions, who are coming off a victory over the top-seeded Heat, could propel Chicago over Philadelphia depending on what happens in the Cavs-76ers matchup on Friday as well.

Keys for Chicago Bulls to stop Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night’s ESPN game

3. Limit Their Offensive Rebounding

The Bucks are 11th in offensive rebounding, averaging 13.6 points off of offensive rebounds. The Bulls allow the third most points off of second chance opportunities in the NBA.

The Bucks like to push the tempo, as shown in all of the highlights of Antetokounmpo in the open court. They rank in the top 10 for fast break points and pace. When forced to set up their offense and get into secondary breaks, they struggle score and rely on Kris Middleton as their primary option.

In those moments, they are easier to contain than when Antetokounmpo is dropping 30 pieces with three highlight dunks — his player impact estimate drops from 21.4 to 15.7. When the game slows up, 39% of his points come from second chance opportunities.

In their first matchup, the Bulls struggled to get stops in crunch time — allowing four offensive rebounds in the final 2:30 of the game. The Bucks average 46 rebounds per game, but against the Bulls were able to pull down 52 boards. Within those 52 rebounds were 11 offense boards— four of which crushed the Bulls’ momentum late in the fourth.

Limiting the Bucks offensive rebounding will be a major key to the Bulls’ success.

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