T.M. Selection: Chicago Bulls.

I like the Chicago Bulls to cover the spread against the Milwaukee Bucks in this game on Friday. The Bulls have looked good in the 1st 2 games of this series. They lost a hard fought game in the 1st game by 7 points but their defensive effort was there and they didn't even give up 95+ to the Bucks in that game. They ended up winning the 2nd game by 4 points, stealing game from the Bucks on their home court, and I think they are going to have another great game here. The Bulls are back on their home court here and I think that they will be too much for the Bucks to handle with Middleton out in this game. DeMar DeRozan just had a huge game in their most recent game, putting up 40+ points and I think he is going to have another huge game on their home court here. I also expect him to get a lot of offensive contribution from others like Vucevic and LaVine who both had 20+ points in that previous game too. I think with all of the absences for the Bucks, they are going to struggle to defend the Bulls in this game and with DeRozan playing so well lately, I expect him to lead his team to a victory here. I see the Bulls coming out stronger on offense in this game and I think the Bulls will try to get out to an early lead here, making it difficult on the Bucks to come back in the game. I like the Bulls to cover the spread here.

T.M. Prediction: 108-102 Bulls.