Bulls' fast pace meets Bucks' shooting in Milwaukee

The Chicago Bulls (31-51), the league's second-fastest team last season, visit the Milwaukee Bucks (32-50) on Friday, October 23 (4:00 PM ET), in a game that turns on whether Chicago's pace or Milwaukee's shooting prevails.

Chicago played at a pace of 104.3 possessions last season, second in the league. Milwaukee's 99.1 ranked 25th. Whoever sets the tempo decides whether the Bucks' shooting, third in effective field goal percentage at 56.5, gets enough shots to matter.

The Bucks' weakness is giving the ball away: their turnover rate of 13.3 was third-worst in the league. Chicago did little with that, forcing turnovers at a rate of 10.6, second-lowest.

The Bulls rebounded 75.5 percent of opponents' misses, sixth best, while Milwaukee grabbed the fewest offensive rebounds of any team, so second shots will be scarce for the Bucks.

Neither team defended well. Chicago allowed 116 points per 100 possessions, 22nd, and Milwaukee allowed 117.4, 27th.

Norman Powell led Chicago in scoring at 21.7 points a game. Josh Giddey averaged 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds, and he is probable. For Milwaukee, Tyler Herro scored 20.5 points a game in 33 appearances and shot 91.7 percent at the line. Kel'el Ware pulled down nine rebounds a game.

Chicago's injury report is longer. Nicolas Claxton is out, with a return expected Wednesday, November 4. Dailyn Swain and Jordan Hawkins are questionable, and Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka are probable.

Chicago fell 135-92 at Toronto and Milwaukee lost 128-116 at Washington in their openers. All records and ratings here are from last season, with this season's rosters.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Bucks a 50% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives Milwaukee 61%.