The Milwaukee Bucks are in more of a dogfight than many people thought they would be in their first-round series with the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks swept the Bulls in the NBA regular season, winning all four matchups. Chicago struggled mightily all season against teams in the top four of the conference, winning only once against the Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat.
But, something must have clicked for the Bulls once the postseason began, as they have looked like a different team. They hung with the Bucks throughout Game 1, but ultimately lost 93-86. In Game 2, they took control in the second quarter and held on throughout the rest of the game.
The Milwaukee Bucks looked like they had finally turned the switch on at the end of the third quarter, cutting the lead down to seven with all of the momenta in their favor. Chicago shut that down quickly at the start of the fourth quarter, taking back control and riding that to a 114-110 victory.
Now, the question begs to ask; are the Bucks in trouble after Game 2? Given how things have looked thus far in the series, there is certainly reason for concern if you are the Bucks.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 2022 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks
Remaining healthy for the duration of the playoffs is imperative to finding success and the Bucks are dealing with some injuries now. Bobby Portis played only five minutes in the first quarter before getting hit inadvertently in the face by Tristan Thomspon. He suffered an abrasion to his eye and blood was drawn, as blurry vision kept him out the remainder of the game.
The Bucks also lost Khris Middleton in the fourth quarter to what was originally deemed knee soreness. He slipped while driving to the basket and it was later revealed that he has an MCL injury. He is set to undergo an MRI on Thursday, which will give an idea of the extent of the injury.
It was terrible timing for Middleton, as he had found his shooting stroke in the third quarter. He scored 12 points in the quarter, helping the Bucks mount a comeback before going down with his injury.
Those two injuries will certainly put the Milwaukee Bucks behind the eight-ball as the series heads to Chicago for Games 3 and 4. At full strength Milwaukee already wasn’t playing their best brand of basketball; now they will have to replace potentially two of their rotation players.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 2022 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks
Jrue Holiday is someone that has to start playing better if they are going to be without Middleton for some time. He has struggled through two games, turning the ball over 10 times compared to 12 assists. His shot has abandoned him, as he is making 37.5 percent of his shots and 33.3 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Brook Lopez has been playing very well, which will make the Portis injury a little easier to overcome. But, if he misses any period of time, the team will have to dig deep into their depth. Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen will be receiving more minutes in relief of Portis and Middleton.
This series will likely go on much longer than people thought coming into the playoffs. There are reasons to be concerned, as the injuries and ineffectiveness of important players are tough to overcome.
Milwaukee is in some trouble, however, the Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo on their side. As long as they have him, they will have more than a fighting chance to win games and advance. He will have to stay healthy and continue producing at an MVP level.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 2022 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks
These are the defending champion, Milwaukee Bucks, so they have faced some adversity in the past. They won the last two games of the series in the Eastern Conference Finals last year without Antetokounmpo, so they are capable of beating the Chicago Bulls without Middleton. Their level of concern has certainly gone up and the Bulls are confident, but as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo remains on the court, they will come away victorious.
