Can Milwaukee Bounce Back at Home Against Chicago? | Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction | October 23, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Bulls
The Milwaukee Bucks host the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on October 23 in their second game of the 2026/27 NBA regular season. Both teams missed the playoffs last season and have made significant changes to their rosters. Milwaukee lost its opener against Washington, while Chicago suffered a heavy defeat to Toronto, leaving both sides looking to respond.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee finished 11th in the Eastern Conference last season with a 32–50 record and missed the playoffs. Injuries to key players contributed to a disappointing campaign, and the team subsequently parted ways with head coach Doc Rivers, appointing Taylor Jenkins for the new season.
The Bucks made several roster changes over the summer, including the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the arrival of Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma also joined the team, giving Milwaukee a reshaped lineup for the new campaign.
Milwaukee finished preseason with two wins and three losses. The Bucks beat Oklahoma City 128–126 and Indiana 128–127, but suffered defeats against Minnesota, Charlotte and Chicago. Their 104–125 loss to the Bulls was a particularly disappointing result, although the upcoming meeting gives Milwaukee a chance to respond on home court.
The Bucks opened the regular season with a 116–128 loss to Washington. Herro led the team with 24 points and nine assists, while Jaquez added 22 points and seven rebounds. Kasparas Jakučionis contributed 15 points, and Turner finished with 11. Despite the defeat, Milwaukee had several productive individual performances and will look to improve its defensive execution in the home opener.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago finished 12th in the Eastern Conference last season with a 31–51 record, missing both the play-in tournament and the playoffs. After a difficult campaign and major organizational changes, the Bulls entered the new season with a younger roster under head coach Tiago Splitter.
The team went 3–2 in preseason, defeating Phoenix 124–117 and Milwaukee 125–104 before closing with a convincing 133–116 win over Minnesota. However, those results did not carry over into the regular season.
Chicago suffered a 92–135 defeat against Toronto in its opener, struggling badly on both ends of the floor. The Bulls shot just 31.8% from the field and 11.1% from three-point range while committing 27 turnovers. Caleb Wilson scored 16 points but also recorded nine turnovers, while Matas Buzelis added 17 points and six rebounds. Josh Giddey managed only two points on 1-of-10 shooting.
That performance exposed significant problems with Chicago's ball security and shooting efficiency. The Bulls will need a much-improved offensive display to challenge Milwaukee away from home.
Head-to-Head
Milwaukee have won eight of the teams’ last 10 meetings, while Chicago have claimed four victories. The Bucks have also won three of their last four home games against the Bulls. However, Chicago won both of the teams’ latest encounters, including a 125–104 victory in the preseason.
Key Trends
- Milwaukee won 3 of its last 4 home games against Chicago.
- Milwaukee have won 8 of the last 10 head-to-head meetings.
- Chicago lost its regular-season opener to Toronto 92–135.
- Chicago committed 27 turnovers in its opening game against Toronto.
- Milwaukee lost its regular-season opener to Washington 116–128.
- Chicago defeated Milwaukee 125–104 in their preseason meeting.
Prediction
Both teams enter this matchup after opening-night defeats, but Chicago's performance against Toronto raises greater concerns. The Bulls shot poorly, struggled to protect possession and conceded 135 points. Milwaukee also lost its opener, falling 128–116 to Washington, but Herro and Jaquez combined for 46 points, while Jakučionis provided an additional scoring option. Playing at Fiserv Forum gives the Bucks an opportunity to respond in front of their home crowd. Chicago's preseason victory over Milwaukee is a reminder that the matchup may not be straightforward. However, the Bulls' severe shooting and turnover problems in their first regular-season game give the hosts a favorable opportunity to secure their first win of the campaign. Recommended Bet: Milwaukee Bucks to win.
