Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 23, 2026

Milwaukee's first home game comes just two days after a disappointing finish in Washington. The Bucks couldn't hold off a fourth-quarter rally, losing 128-116, and now the Chicago Bulls are coming to Fiserv Forum. Friday's tipoff is at 4:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Chicago has even more to forget after a 135-92 defeat in Toronto on Wednesday. Both teams are 0-1 and share the bottom two spots in the Central Division, with Milwaukee fourth and Chicago fifth. There's plenty to fix before their second game. Look through our free NBA picks for more Friday matchups.

Chicago Can't Afford Another Messy Start

By halftime in Toronto, Chicago was already staring at a big deficit. The Raptors had opened with 43 points in the first quarter and never gave the Bulls much room to recover. Chicago's worst problem was holding onto the ball. Every careless pass seemed to give Toronto another chance to run, and 27 turnovers made the night miserable. The Bulls scored only 92 points and allowed 135. There was at least some resistance around the rim: Chicago collected 57 rebounds and blocked five shots. Friday calls for much better decisions.

Matas Buzelis did what he could, leading Chicago with 17 points despite a difficult shooting night. Jalen Smith was active underneath, getting eight rebounds to lead the team and adding 15 points. Josh Giddey handed out six assists, though Chicago never settled into a comfortable offensive rhythm. Buzelis also had two blocks, more than anyone else on the Bulls. Getting Smith touches inside could help the guards avoid rushing everything. Milwaukee had trouble closing its opener, so Chicago has an opportunity if it stays patient.

Injuries: Dailyn Swain and Jordan Hawkins are questionable with illnesses. Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury.

Milwaukee Had the Game Until the Fourth

For much of Wednesday night, the Bucks were holding their own against Washington. They had the lead deep into the second half, but the Wizards suddenly started getting to their spots. A fourth-quarter run turned the game around and left Milwaukee with a 128-116 defeat. The Bucks scored enough to compete; they just couldn't get stops when Washington made its push. They finished with 41 rebounds and only two blocks. Friday is a chance to play before the home crowd and show they can finish better.

Tyler Herro gave the offense a spark in his Milwaukee debut. He led the Bucks with 24 points and nine assists, creating chances for teammates as well as himself. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22 points and pulled down seven rebounds, the most on the team. Myles Turner and Kasparas Jakucionis shared the block lead with one apiece. Chicago has the players to challenge Milwaukee near the basket. Still, Herro's ability to keep the ball moving could make things easier if the Bucks get into their offense early.

Injuries: No reported injuries.

Key To The Game

Chicago can make Milwaukee work on the glass, but the Bulls can't repeat Wednesday's turnovers. The Bucks need to handle late-game pressure better. This could come down to which team stops giving away useful possessions.

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Pick

• Milwaukee Bucks -1.5

Neither team enjoyed its opener, but Milwaukee stayed competitive for much longer than Chicago did. Herro gives the Bucks a guard who can create shots when a possession stalls, and Jaquez can help near the basket. Chicago's rebounding is a concern for the home team, yet the Bulls have to protect the ball first. Milwaukee will take advantage of those mistakes, win at home and cover the 1.5-point spread Friday.

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Over/Under Pick

• Under 239.5

The opening scores suggest plenty of points, but Chicago barely reached 90 in Toronto and lost the ball 27 times. Milwaukee scored 116 against Washington, then struggled to find stops late. Both teams have reason to slow things down and make better decisions rather than turn this into another frantic game. Chicago's size can also extend possessions around the basket. Friday's matchup will finish under the 239.5-point total in Milwaukee.