
Wed Feb 04 00:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Bucks Struggle Deepens Without Antetokounmpo, Bulls Favored
The Story:
The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling mightily without Giannis Antetokounmpo, posting a 3-14 record in games he misses this season. This poor performance is fueling speculation about potential trades as the deadline approaches. The article highlights the Bucks’ defensive woes and poor rebounding, suggesting that the Chicago Bulls are well-positioned to win their upcoming matchup on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, even as short road favorites.
Key Points:
- The Bucks are 3-14 without Giannis Antetokounmpo this season.
- Milwaukee has lost eight of their last nine games.
- The Bucks rank 26th in net rating since the start of December.
- The Bulls rank third in effective field goal percentage (eFG%) over the last 10 games.
- The Bucks have the fourth-worst defensive rating over the same stretch.
- Milwaukee is 1-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last nine games.
- The article recommends betting on the Bulls to cover the -2.5 spread.
- The Bucks rank next-to-last in rebounding rate.
- The Bucks have only covered the 1H Spread in 11 of their last 40 games at home for -22.35 Units and a-48% ROI.
Critical Analysis:
The combination of Giannis’s absence and the Bucks’ struggles points to a deep reliance on his individual brilliance. The team’s poor defensive showing and rebounding further compound the problem, making them vulnerable against teams like the Bulls who are capitalizing on these weaknesses.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bucks’ performance is heavily dependent on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence.
- Defensive deficiencies and poor rebounding are significant issues for Milwaukee.
- The Bulls are viewed as a favorable bet due to the Bucks’ current struggles.
- The upcoming trade deadline adds another layer of uncertainty to the Bucks’ situation.
- The Bucks’ performance at home has been particularly weak against the spread in the first half of games.