CHI vs MIL Dream11: Hi NBA fans! The Playoffs have been in full stream and some teams have already made it clear that they are in for the long haul. Sixers and Warriors have captured a three-nil lead, the Mavs took a two-one lead versus the Jazz, and the Heat is up two-nil against the Hawks at the time of writing. On the other hand, the Grizzlies also managed a two-one lead while the Suns are tied with the Pelicans. Then there are the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks tied at one each.
The Bulls caught the Bucks by surprise in Game 2 as they eked out a 114:110 win largely on the back of DeMar DeRozan, who recovered from a 24% shooting night and came up with his Playoff career-high performance of 41 points in a riveting fashion. Middleton’s injury has complicated things for the defending champions Bucks while the Bulls will once again pray for the hot-hand of DeRozan to get going. Can the Bucks recover their winning ways in Game 3?
Host: Chicago Bulls
Visitors: Milwaukee Bucks
Match Timing: 23 April, @ 06:00 AM (+05:30 UTC)
Venue: United Center
Complicated scenario for the Bucks
Although Giannis had continued to be red-hot from the field, the Bulls turned a corner and came up with a performance that was reminiscent of their exploits in the first half of the season. The mantra is simple for the Bulls more often than not, get DeRozan going from the field and win the game. Nikola Vucevic has been huge on the boards and if he keeps the offensive impact up from the last game, the Bulls will have a better chance of winning this series.
The Bulls shot close to 50% in Game 2 after a below 33% percent performance in Game 1. They made 48% of their triples. Apart from allowing the Bulls to shoot such a high percentage, the Bucks were unable to capitalize on three free-throw chances, making just 20 of their 34 attempts from the strip. Out of these 18 attempts were by Giannis, who made only 11 free throws and has now had two sub-par free-throw games.
For the Bulls, one other huge factor was the play of Alex Caruso who hasn’t allowed Jrue Holiday to settle in, forcing him for six turnovers in the last game while also limiting him below 40% from the field. The benches of both teams seem to be struggling right now and an injury to Bobby Portis came as a big blow to the Bucks, something which also made the difference in the end. The Bulls will look to continue their efficient ways in Game 3.
Fantasy-related tips
It is clear that for the Bucks, the ace has been Giannis Antetokounmpo while for the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan has been the go-to man for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic has been a huge factor on the rebounding end and has emerged as a major Fantasy option in this series. On the other hand, with Middleton’s absence, minutes will open up for Connaughton, Allen, and Portis. Jrue Holiday has been a decent option but for a lower credit value, Alex Caruso has also strengthened his footing. Dosunmu and Coby White are falling out of the fantasy scenario whereas Brook Lopez and Patrick Williams have emerged as solid options.
Peak Performers Predictions
Highest scorer: Giannis Antetokounmpo: 37
Highest Rebounder: Giannis Antetokounmpo: 17
Highest assists: Jrue Holiday; 9
Final scoreline Prediction: Bucks 117 Bulls 110
Chicago Bulls News:
Bulls Expected Starting Five
Defensive Forward: PF: Patrick Williams
High-Scoring Star Wing: SF: DeMar DeRozan
Rebounding Specialist & Inside Presence: C: Nikola Vucevic
Defensive Specialist PG: Alex Caruso
Isolation Guard Scorer: SG: Zach LaVine
BENCH: JaVonte Green, Ayu Dosunmu, Coby White, Tristan Thompson, Alfonzo McKinnie, Troy Brown Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks Team News:
Bucks Expected Starting Five
All-Around Superstar Athletic Forward: PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Rebounding Specialist: PF: Bobby Portis
Two-way Big: C: Brook Lopez
Defensive specialist: SG: Wesley Matthews
Floor General: PG: Jrue Holiday
Bench: Serge Ibaka, Grayson Allen,, Jordan Nwora, Lindell Wigginton, Pat Connaughton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Giannis Antetokounmpo(MIL)
Points: 33
Rebounds: 18
Assists: 09
Blocks: 02
Steals: 01
Menacing Forward Giannis has continued to put in work on both ends of the floor and keeps on razzing and dazzling as a scorer, rebounder, playmaker, and defender. I expect a 30-38 points, 13-18 rebounds, 5-9 assists, and 1-2 blocks/steals range here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 56-78
DeMar DeRozan(CHI)
Points: 41
Rebounds: 07
Assists: 04
Blocks: 02
Steals: 01
DeRozan’s high-quality production is necessary for the Bulls’ success and the wing popped in 16 of his 31 attempts in the last game while nailing all his nine free-throws. I expect a 28-36 points and 4-7 rebounds range here. He is usually a candidate for Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-56
Jrue Holiday(MIL)
Points: 16
Rebounds: 06
Assists: 06
Blocks: 01PG Jrue has gotten it done for the most parts but the Bulls have not allowed him to take over games, keeping him to 6/16 shooting in the last game and forcing him to commit 6 turnovers. I expect a 22-26 points, 4-7 assists, 3-6 rebounds, and 2-3 steals range here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 29-39
Nikola Vucevic(CHI)
Points: 24
Rebounds: 13
Assists: 02
Steals: 01
Center Nikola has been a huge factor on the rebounding end and his willingness to take shots has helped the Bulls on the offensive end and similar numbers will expected at home from him. I expect a 17-24 points and 10-14 rebounds range here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Brook Lopez(MIL)
Points: 25
Rebounds: 05
Assists: 01
Blocks: 01Center Lopez has continued to be a major contributor as a veteran big and he has made sure that Vucevic doesn’t outplay him at least on the scoring end. I expect a 17-22 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-36
Zach LaVine(CHI)
Points: 20
Rebounds: 01
Assists: 03
Steals: 01
LaVine has taken a sort of backset to DeRozan this season but even then, he has remained a strong isolation threat with a more than reliable three-point stroke. I expect a 21-26 points and 3-5 rebounds range here.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-32
(Recommended)
PG: A Caruso
SG: P Connaughton
SF: D DeRozan(PP), W Matthews
PF: P Williams, G Antetokounmpo(SP)
C: B Portis, B Lopez
(Alternate)
PG: J Holiday(PP)
SG: Z LaVine, P Connaughton
SF: D DeRozan(SP)
PF: J Green, P Williams
C: N Vucevic, B Lopez
Do you wanna watch DeRozan and Giannis go at it once again in this classic Eastern Conference affair? In an encouraging piece of news for India-based NBA viewers, this match can be viewed on streaming platforms JIO TV and Voot, the two designated streaming services for viewers in India. On the other hand, Sports 18 and VH1 will also display it. But there are 3 other games, where can you catch them? Go to the NBA League Pass and purchase the annual subscription (599 rupees per year) which gives you access to all live games while you also can watch the full game replay if you are not able to watch the live stream. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the NBA.