Bulls Edge Bucks in Close Contest at Fiserv Forum
Friday, October 23, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Fiserv Forum
Chicago Bulls 132, Milwaukee Bucks 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks?
Chicago Bulls beat Milwaukee Bucks 132-125 at Fiserv Forum on October 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks?
Milwaukee Bucks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game at Fiserv Forum, the Chicago Bulls emerged victorious against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 132-125. This match marked the second meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Bulls now leading the series 2-0. The Bucks, despite playing at home, fell to a record of 0-3 in their last three games, while the Bulls improved to 2-1 on the season.
The Bucks entered the game with a home record of 0-2 and had been struggling, losing their last two games. In their last ten outings, they held a record of 3-7, averaging 112.9 points scored per game while allowing 118.8 points. Their recent form included a loss to the Washington Wizards, where they were defeated 116-128 on October 21. The Bulls, on the other hand, had a mixed away record of 1-1 before this game, and their overall record in the last ten games was 2-8, averaging 114.1 points scored and allowing 127.2 points.
The Bulls' injury report noted that Nic Claxton was out due to a hamstring injury, which could have impacted their depth. However, they managed to pull through with a strong performance. The Bucks were looking to capitalize on home-court advantage but could not overcome the Bulls' offensive pressure.
The betting market had set the odds with DraftKings, giving the Bucks a slight edge at -1.5 on the spread, while the total was set at 241.5 points, with both the over and under priced at -110. This indicated a high-scoring expectation, which the game ultimately met, finishing with a total of 257 points.
Throughout the game, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads. The Bucks made a valiant effort to come back in the fourth quarter, but crucial free throws from Norman Powell and Tre Jones in the final moments solidified the Bulls' victory. Notably, Caleb Wilson's free throw late in the fourth quarter pushed the Bulls' lead to 126-123, and subsequent free throws from Powell and Jones sealed the game.
The Bulls' ability to execute under pressure and capitalize on free-throw opportunities proved decisive. The Bucks will need to reassess their strategies as they continue to seek their first home win of the season. As the season progresses, both teams will look to improve their records and build momentum.
What we said beforehand
The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on October 23, 2026, in a matchup that features two teams looking for their first win of the season. Both teams enter this contest with a record of 0-1, making this game particularly significant as they aim to avoid an early-season deficit.
In their most recent outings, the Bucks lost to the Washington Wizards with a score of 128-116. Prior to that, they faced the Chicago Bulls on October 15, where they suffered a 125-104 defeat. The Bucks have experienced a mixed bag in their last five games, winning two and losing three. Their scoring average in these games is 112.9 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 118.8 points. This indicates a need for improvement on the defensive end if they hope to secure a victory.
On the other hand, the Bulls also come into this game after a loss, having fallen to the Toronto Raptors 135-92. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games, with an average of 114.1 points scored and 127.2 points allowed. The Bulls' performance has been inconsistent, especially on the defensive side, which could be a critical factor in this matchup.
The Bucks will be looking to leverage their home advantage, where they have a record of 3-2 in their last five home games. However, they are currently on a two-game losing streak at home. In contrast, the Bulls have struggled on the road, holding a record of 0-3 in their last three away games. Their recent performance away from home has seen them average 114.2 points scored and 123.4 points allowed, indicating they have struggled to maintain competitiveness in hostile environments.
Historically, the Bucks have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Bulls, winning three out of the last four encounters. Their last matchup on October 15 ended in a decisive victory for the Bulls, which they will look to replicate. The previous home game for the Bucks against the Bulls was a win, with a score of 131-115 on February 4, 2026.
In terms of injuries, the Bulls will be without Nic Claxton due to a hamstring issue. His absence could impact their frontcourt depth and defensive capabilities. The Bucks, however, do not have any listed injuries affecting their lineup, which may give them an edge in terms of available talent.
Betting odds from DraftKings have the Bucks as slight favorites, with a spread of -1.5. The total points line is set at 241.5, suggesting an expectation of a high-scoring game, given both teams' recent offensive outputs. The money line stands at -118 for the Bucks and -102 for the Bulls, indicating a competitive matchup.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for Tyler Herro, who is leading the Bucks with an average of 24.0 points and 9.0 assists per game. His ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial for Milwaukee. For the Bulls, Norman Powell leads with an average of 15.0 points per game, while Josh Giddey contributes with 6.0 assists. The performance of these key players could very well dictate the outcome of this early-season clash.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIL -1.5 | 241.5 o -110 / u -110 | Chicago Bulls -102 · Milwaukee Bucks -118 |
Injury report
- Nic ClaxtonOutHamstringChicago Bulls
Leaders
- PointsTyler Herro34Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsRyan Rollins6Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsJaime Jaquez Jr.11Milwaukee Bucks
- PointsNorman Powell25Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey9Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsJalen Smith13Chicago Bulls
Recent form
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2112.9 scored · 118.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L116-128at Washington WizardsOct 21
- L106-126at Philadelphia 76ersApr 12
- W125-108vs Brooklyn NetsApr 11
- L111-137at Detroit PistonsApr 8
- L90-96at Brooklyn NetsApr 7
- W131-115vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 5
- L101-133vs Boston CelticsApr 4
- L113-119at Houston RocketsApr 2
- W123-99vs Dallas MavericksApr 1
- L113-127vs LA ClippersMar 29
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 2-8Streak L3114.1 scored · 127.2 allowed per game2-5 away
- L92-135at Toronto RaptorsOct 21
- L128-149at Dallas MavericksApr 13
- L103-127vs Orlando MagicApr 11
- W119-108at Washington WizardsApr 9
- W129-98at Washington WizardsApr 7
- L110-120vs Phoenix SunsApr 5
- L96-136at New York KnicksApr 3
- L126-145vs Indiana PacersApr 2
- L114-129at San Antonio SpursMar 31
- L124-125at Memphis GrizzliesMar 29
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Chicago | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Cleveland | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Milwaukee | 1.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Bulls | Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 46-98 | 46-92 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 12-45 | 19-46 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 41 |
| Free throws | 28-30 | 14-26 |
| Free throw % | 93 | 54 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 33 |
| Assists | 29 | 29 |
| Steals | 10 | 5 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 44 |
| Fouls | 20 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 24 | 72 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter94-97Tre Jones makes driving layup (Matas Buzelis assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-100AJ Green makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kasparas Jakucionis assists)
- 3rd Quarter95-100Matas Buzelis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-102Kasparas Jakucionis makes 2-foot layup (Brayden Burries assists)
- 3rd Quarter97-102Tre Jones makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter98-102Tre Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter100-102Caleb Wilson makes layup (Matas Buzelis assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-104Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 12-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter102-104Jalen Smith makes 2-foot dunk (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter104-104Noa Essengue makes 1-foot dunk (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter106-104Norman Powell makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter108-104Caleb Wilson makes 2-foot running dunk (Noa Essengue assists)
- 4th Quarter108-106Ryan Rollins makes running layup
- 4th Quarter110-106Leonard Miller makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter112-106Noa Essengue makes 1-foot running dunk (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter112-107Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-107Buddy Hield makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leonard Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter115-109Tyler Herro makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter115-111Tyler Herro makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter117-111Leonard Miller makes driving layup (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter117-113Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes 2-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter118-113Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-116Tyler Herro makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter118-119Tyler Herro makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter118-120Tyler Herro makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-121Ryan Rollins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-121Norman Powell makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter122-121Isaac Okoro makes running layup (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter122-123Myles Turner makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter125-123Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-123Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-123Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-123Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-123Norman Powell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-123Norman Powell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter129-123Tre Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-123Tre Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-125Tyler Herro makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter131-125Tre Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter132-125Tre Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Milwaukee Bucks, below favours Chicago Bulls.
Venue
- Fiserv ForumMilwaukee, WI
- Attendance16354
- OfficialsBen Taylor, Ed Malloy, Intae Hwang
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These two, other days
- Bulls Defeat Bucks 125-104 in Milwaukee ShowdownOct 14, 2026
- Bulls Defeat Bucks 120-97 at United CenterMar 1, 2026
- Bucks Defeat Bulls 131-115 in NBA ClashFeb 3, 2026
- Bucks Defeat Bulls 112-103 in Chicago ShowdownDec 27, 2025
- Bucks Defeat Bulls 126-110 at Fiserv ForumNov 7, 2025