NBA: Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury Reports, Predicted Lineups, and Starting 5s

The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Chicago Bulls in Game 2 of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at the Fiserv Forum. In a low-scoring struggle, the reigning champs won Game 1 93-86 and will aim to keep their homecourt advantage in this matchup before going to Illinois for Games 3 and 4. Despite coming back from a 16-point hole, the Bulls lost the first game of the series down the stretch. They tied the game with about four minutes left in the third quarter after trailing the entire game. However, their poor shooting and bad defense ultimately cost them the game. Chicago shot a dismal 19 percent from beyond the arc and only 32 percent from the field overall.

The Bucks shot poorly themselves, but they were able to win on their own court by restricting their opponents to under 40% shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting. He only made one of four shots from downtown, but he converted 60 percent of his two-point attempts. Khris Middleton, on the other hand, had a dismal offensive performance in Game 1. He scored 11 points on 30 percent shooting from the field, including one of seven (14%) from beyond the arc. He had six assists, but he also had seven turnovers to go along with them. Middleton will be expected to score at a higher rate in the future.

Injuries to the Chicago Bulls

The only two players on Chicago's injury list are Lonzo Ball and Matt Thomas. Thomas was listed as questionable for Game 1 but did not suit up and has been ruled out for the next game. Ball has torn his meniscus and is out for the duration of the postseason, while Thomas has a contusion in his lower left leg.

Injuries to the Milwaukee Bucks

Due to back pain and calf contusion, Jordan Nwora and Bobby Portis are both questionable for this game. Nwora was also expected to participate in Game 1 but did not, while Portis played 23 minutes. Due to a sore abdomen, George Hill has been ruled out.

Predicted Lineups for Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are likely to stick with their starting group from Game 1. Backcourt starters Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine will be joined by forwards DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams. As is customary, Nikola Vucevic will start at center, with Ayo Dosunmu, Javonte Green, and Coby White getting the most minutes off the bench.

Milwaukee Bucks

In Game 1, the Bucks made a few lineup changes. Wesley Matthews took over as the off-guard in place of Grayson Allen, while Jrue Holiday remained in the backcourt. They could go with the same formula this time as well. Khris Middleton will play small forward, while Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to play power forward. As is customary, Brook Lopez should be the focal point.

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks: Predicted Starting 5s

Chicago Bulls

G - Alex Caruso | G - Zach LaVine | F - DeMaR DeRozan | F - Patrick Williams | C - Nikola Vucevic.

Milwaukee Bucks

G - Jrue Holiday | G - Wesley Matthews | F - Khris Middleton | F - Giannis Antetokounmpo | C - Brook Lopez.