The Milwaukee Bucks were a feel-good story this season, going from the league’s worst team to a playoff squad in their first year under coach Jason Kidd.
Without a true superstar or bona fide scoring option, Milwaukee uses its defence and length to stymie opponents, finishing second in the Association in defensive efficiency this season.
On the other side of the court, the Chicago Bulls are another club defined by their defensive intensity. However, the Bulls hold the advantage in this matchup because of what they are capable of on offence.
Jimmy Butler had a breakout campaign, leading a talented Chicago team in scoring at 20 points per. Veteran big man Pau Gasol didn’t miss a beat despite joining a new team as he enjoyed one of the best statistical seasons of his already impressive career. Former MVP Derrick Rose will also be in the Bulls’ playoff lineup after working his way back from knee surgery.
No matter which way you slice it, this series should exemplify what playoff basketball is all about.
Marquee matchup: Jimmy Butler vs. Khris Middleton
Butler emerged as a big-time player in 2014-15, earning himself a spot on the Eastern Conference all-star team. The former Marquette Golden Eagle is a complete player as, in addition to getting buckets, he rebounds the ball well and swipes nearly two steals each outing. Butler also raised his scoring average by seven points this season, and looks like the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award. Hopefully he has better luck in 2015-16 than last year’s MIP, Lance Stephenson.
Middleton himself took a step forward this year, improving his numbers across the board. The 39th pick in the 2012 draft also offers versatility, as he is capable of slotting in at every position except point guard and centre. Middleton really turned his game up during the last month of the season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Role player to watch – Chicago: Nikola Mirotic
A 24-year-old rookie, Mirotic made quite the first impression this season, opening eyes in the month of March by averaging 21 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Playing at the four spot, he can score in a variety of ways, including from beyond the arc. Although it seems like a lock that Andrew Wiggins will win Rookie of the Year, Mirotic has certainly earned his way into the conversation.
Role player to watch – Milwaukee: Zaza Pachulia
The Bulls are absolutely loaded up front, with four starting-calibre big men on the roster. As a result, the veteran Pachulia will be relied on to grind out minutes against the likes of Gasol, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Mirotic. The 31-year-old averaged 8.4 points per game in the regular season, his highest scoring mark since 2006-07, but his biggest contribution in this series will be providing sound interior D when his number is called.
Season series: Bulls won 3-1.
Bulls stats leaders:
Points: Jimmy Butler (20.0)
Assists: Derrick Rose (4.9)
Rebounds: Pau Gasol (11.8)
Bucks stats leaders:
Points: Michael Carter-Williams (14.1)
Assists: Michael Carter-Williams (5.6)
Rebounds: Zaza Pachulia (6.8)
Prediction: Bulls in five.
NBA playoff previews: Cavaliers vs. Celtics | Bulls vs. Bucks | Rockets vs. Mavericks | Warriors vs. Pelicans | Hawks vs. Nets | Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies | Clippers vs. Spurs |