Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions for Friday October 23 2026
The Bulls and Bucks both had opening nights they’d probably like to forget. Chicago got hammered by Toronto, 135-92. Milwaukee lost 128-116 in Washington. Not exactly the way either team wanted to start the season.
Now they meet Friday afternoon in Milwaukee. Afternoon, not evening. The game tips at four Eastern, which is worth remembering if you’re planning to watch it after work. By then, one of these teams will have its first win and the other will be staring at an 0-2 start.
Chicago visits Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET. Milwaukee are favored by 1.5 points, with the total at 238.5. The moneyline is close to even, with the Bucks around -110. Check our free NBA picks for more games.
Chicago Bulls Have Plenty To Fix
Chicago are 0-1 after losing 135-92 at Toronto on Wednesday. That’s a 43-point defeat, and there’s no particularly kind way to describe it. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 17 points, but Chicago never came close to matching Toronto’s offense. Getting beaten badly on opening night doesn’t end a season. It does give everybody plenty to work on at practice.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
The Bulls have to defend better, obviously, but they also need more from their offense. Ninety-two points won’t win many games in today’s NBA. Milwaukee just conceded 128 to Washington, so there should be opportunities Friday. Chicago can’t waste them. The Bulls need to move the ball, avoid settling for difficult jumpers, and get better contributions from their main scoring options.
Buzelis’ 17 points were one of the few encouraging numbers from the opener. Josh Giddey is important as a distributor, and Chicago need him creating chances rather than having the offense grind to a halt. The Bulls’ rotation also needs to show more resistance defensively. Toronto found far too many comfortable looks, and Milwaukee will try to do the same.
Milwaukee Bucks Need A Better Defensive Effort
Milwaukee are 0-1 after losing 128-116 at Washington. The Bucks scored enough to win plenty of games, but giving up 128 made the job difficult. Tyler Herro led Milwaukee with 24 points. Washington’s Anthony Davis scored 34, and the Bucks couldn’t do enough to keep the Wizards under control.
Milwaukee’s defense needs attention, particularly against a Chicago team that will be desperate to respond after its own poor opener. The Bucks should be able to create chances because Toronto just scored 135 on the Bulls. But Milwaukee can’t afford to assume the game will be easy. Washington were supposed to be a manageable opponent too, and that didn’t go particularly well.
Herro’s 24 points gave Milwaukee a useful scoring performance, but the Bucks need better production across the lineup. Kevin Porter Jr. is another important offensive contributor, while the frontcourt has to provide more defensive resistance. Chicago will try to attack the basket after struggling Wednesday. Milwaukee need to make those attempts difficult rather than give up another night of easy points.
Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions
Milwaukee Bucks -1.5 (-102)
I’ll take Milwaukee by the small number. Neither team impressed Wednesday, but Chicago’s 43-point defeat was particularly ugly. Milwaukee at least scored 116, and playing at home should help. The Bucks have their own defensive problems, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Chicago kept this close. But with the spread only 1.5, I prefer Milwaukee to respond in front of its own crowd.
Under 238.5 (-110)
Both teams defended poorly in their openers, which makes an under sound a little strange. But 238.5 is a high total, and Chicago managed only 92 against Toronto. Milwaukee scored 116 against Washington, not an extraordinary number. If Chicago’s offense struggles again, this total could be difficult to reach even with some defensive mistakes. I’m expecting a better effort from both sides, particularly at the defensive end. Milwaukee 116, Chicago 111.
Final Picks: Milwaukee Bucks -1.5 (-102) and Under 238.5 (-110)
This preview was completed October 22, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
