March 1, 2026 | United Center | 3:30 PM ET | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (24–36) host the Milwaukee Bucks (26–32) today, and we’re in full-on crisis mode. We went 0–11 in February. Zero wins. Eleven straight losses. One of the longest losing streaks in franchise history.
And now we’re facing the Bucks, who’ve already beaten us three times this season and are looking to sweep the season series. We’re 12th in the East. They’re 11th. Both teams are terrible, but somehow they keep beating us.
For Bulls fans who’ve endured this nightmare February, today is about one thing: just win a damn game. I don’t care if it’s pretty. I don’t care if it’s by one point. Just end this losing streak before it becomes historic.
Where the Bulls Stand (Rock Bottom)
Record: 24–36 (12th in East)
We’re twelve games under .500 and coming off the worst month in recent franchise history. 0–11 in February. Let that sink in. We didn’t win a single game all month.
The defense is terrible (120.4 points allowed per game). The rebounding is a disaster (42.1 per game vs Milwaukee’s 45.0). And we keep collapsing late in games when execution matters most.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, but he can’t do it alone
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent—goes off for 30 one night, disappears the next
- Collin Sexton: Providing energy off the bench, but not enough to change games
Billy Donovan keeps talking about “winning-play stuff”—reducing turnovers, boxing out, staying disciplined defensively. Great in theory. We just haven’t done any of it.
The Milwaukee Bucks: Not Great, But Better Than Us
Record: 26–32 (11th in East)
The Bucks are also bad. They’re 11th in the East, only two games better than us. But against Central Division opponents, they’re 7–3 in their last 10. And against us specifically? They’re 3–0 with a chance to sweep the season series today.
Key Players:
- Bobby Portis: Dominates the glass and provides interior scoring
- Josh Giddey: All-around playmaker who controls tempo
- Ryan Rollins: Efficient scorer who makes winning plays
Milwaukee rebounds better than us (45.0 per game). They defend better than us (116.9 points allowed vs our 120.4). And they execute better down the stretch. That’s why they keep beating us.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.8 | 113.2 |
| Points Allowed | 120.4 | 116.9 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 | 25.8 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.6 | 12.9 |
| Rebounding | 42.1 | 45.0 |
We score slightly more and pass the ball better. They defend better and rebound better. The numbers basically tell you this is going to come down to execution—and we’ve been terrible at that all month.
The rebounding gap is a killer. Bobby Portis is going to dominate the glass. If we’re giving up offensive rebounds and second-chance points, we’re losing again.
What the Bulls Need to Do to Finally Win
DeMar DeRozan Has to Be Perfect
DeMar’s been solid, but solid isn’t good enough when you’re on an 11-game losing streak. He needs 30+ points on efficient shooting, and he needs to control the game when things get chaotic in the fourth quarter.
Anfernee Simons Can’t Disappear
Simons has the talent to drop 30 on any given night. Against a Bucks team that’s beatable, this is the time to show up. Get hot from three, attack the rim, and force Milwaukee to adjust.
Someone—Anyone—Needs to Rebound
Bobby Portis is going to get his boards. But we can’t let role players crash the glass and get easy putbacks. Box out, be physical, and at least make rebounding competitive.
Execute Down the Stretch
We’ve blown so many close games in February by falling apart in the fourth quarter. No mental mistakes. No stupid turnovers. No blown defensive assignments. Just execute the game plan when it matters.
Protect Home Court
We’re 0–11 in February and about to play our first game in March at the United Center. The fans deserve a win. The team needs a win. Just protect home court against a team we should beat.
What Milwaukee Will Bring
Bobby Portis will dominate the boards and score inside. Josh Giddey will control tempo and make the right plays. Ryan Rollins will hit timely shots.
The Bucks aren’t great, but they’re better than us right now. They’ve beaten us three straight times, and they know how to close games. If we don’t execute, they’re sweeping the season series.
The Betting Lines (We’re Actually Underdogs at Home)
- Spread: Bucks -3.5
- Over/Under: 230.5
- Moneyline: Bucks -155, Bulls +130
We’re 3.5-point underdogs at home. At the United Center. Against a team that’s 26–32. That’s how bad February was.
ESPN Analytics gives us a slight edge at 51%, but that feels generous given we’ve lost 11 straight and Milwaukee has beaten us three times already.
The over/under at 230.5 feels right for two teams that don’t play much defense.
Bulls Fan Prediction: We Finally Win (Please)
Final Score: Bulls 112, Bucks 108
I’m choosing hope over experience. I’m choosing optimism over what the last 11 games have shown us.
DeMar DeRozan controls the game with 32 points. Anfernee Simons gets hot in the third quarter and drops 26. Collin Sexton provides energy off the bench and makes winning plays.
Bobby Portis dominates the glass with 15 rebounds. Josh Giddey orchestrates Milwaukee’s offense. But in the fourth quarter, we finally—finally—execute down the stretch. DeMar hits a clutch mid-range jumper. Simons knocks down free throws. And we hold on for a four-point win.
It’s close. It’s messy. But we end the losing streak and give the United Center crowd something to cheer about for the first time in a month.
Why This Game Actually Matters
We’re 12th in the East. The play-in is basically gone. The season’s essentially over.
So why does today matter?
Because pride. Because dignity. Because Bulls fans have endured 11 straight losses and deserve to see this team win a damn game.
An 11-game losing streak in February is unacceptable. Losing to the Bucks four times in one season would be embarrassing. And if we can’t beat a 26–32 team at home, what’s the point?
Milwaukee’s looking to sweep the season series. We’re looking to salvage some dignity and show we’re not completely broken.
See Red. End the losing streak. Finally.