The Chicago Bulls are hoping to make it three wins out of three so far in the 2025-26 preseason with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the friendly confines of the United Center. Chicago began its exhibition campaign with a home-and-home series sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Head coach Billy Donovan has been without starting guard and top scorer Coby White, while Bucks coach Doc Rivers has been missing his MVP candidate, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Will either suit up tonight as both teams push their starters further with an eye toward the regular-season opener?
Bulls hoping to start faster, cut down on turnovers
Chicago was one of the NBA's best second-half teams last season -- it had to be, given its first-half woes. But the Bulls haven't done anything to correct that problem through two games.
In the Oct. 7 opener, the Bulls committed eight turnovers and allowed the Cavaliers to rack up 10 assists on their first 18 made baskets. Unsurprisingly, Chicago trailed by 11 after the opening 12 minutes.
Two nights later, Cleveland was shooting bonus free throws less than 120 seconds in and had the Bulls in a 12-2 hole before three minutes had trickled off the clock.
Donovan's team has averaged 23.5 turnovers through its first two games; only the Brooklyn Nets have been worse at taking care of the ball. The Bulls aren't talented enough to win games that matter if they're falling behind quickly and bleeding possessions. It's the preseason, sure, but those are things that need to be corrected ASAP if the playoffs are a legitimate goal.
Bucks looking to solidify starting lineup, rotation
Rivers still hasn't locked down a starting five. Antetokounmpo is an obvious choice, as is new center Myles Turner. Kevin Porter Jr. will be the Bucks' starting point guard. The other two spots, though, are up for grabs.
Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green are logical choices at the two and three as knockdown 3-point shooters, but both are on the smaller side and could be exposed defensively against size. Kyle Kuzma fits best at power forward, but that's where Antetokounmpo will play the majority of his minutes, and Bobby Portis, also a natural four, is one of the league's best sixth men.
Ryan Rollins, Cole Anthony and Taurean Prince will also be worked into the rotation somewhere.
Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks injury report
Antetokounmpo will suit up for the first time this year after recovering from COVID-19. White remains out for the Bulls, who hope their top offensive option will be back in time for their preseason finale on Oct. 16.
The full injury report is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Coby White (calf)
Day-to-day: Kevin Huerter (groin); Julian Phillips (knee); Nikola Vucevic (rest)
Milwaukee Bucks
Out: None