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

The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks open their championship defense against the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at the Fiserv Forum. During the regular season, the two teams met four times, with the Bucks sweeping the season series. The Bulls have had a lot of injuries this season, and their title hopes have faded after losing to top teams on a regular basis. They are 1-17 versus the league's top six teams, and their chances of making the playoffs appear dim. In this matchup, they are the sixth seed and do not enjoy the home-court advantage.

The Bucks, on the other hand, finished third on purpose by resting their starters for the regular-season finale. If they had wanted to, they could have finished second in the East. The Bucks have been dominant throughout the season and are nearly unbeatable when their Big 3 of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday are all on the court.

Injuries to the Chicago Bulls

With meniscus damage in his left knee, Lonzo Ball has been ruled out for the remainder of the postseason. Matt Thomas has a contusion in his lower right leg that is listed as doubtful.

Injuries to the Milwaukee Bucks

Due to an abdominal strain, George Hill is rated as questionable, but Jordan Nwora is expected to play despite a sore back.

Predicted Lineups for Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Chicago Bulls

Ayo Dosunmu and Alex Caruso will likely start in the backcourt for the Bulls, with Zach LaVine playing small forward. DeMar DeRozan will start at power forward, while Nikola Vucevic will start in the center position.

Milwaukee Bucks

For this game, the Bucks will use their best lineup. Backcourt starters Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen will be joined by forwarding starters Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Brook Lopez should keep his starting spot in the middle.

Predicted Starting 5s for Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Chicago Bulls

G - Ayo Dosunmu | G - Alex Caruso | F - Zach LaVine | F - DeMaR DeRozan | C - Nikola Vucevic.

Milwaukee Bucks

G - Jrue Holiday | G - Grayson Allen | F - Khris Middleton | F - Giannis Antetokounmpo | C - Brook Lopez.