Jimmy Butler could end up being traded at the February deadline if he does not mesh well with new teammates Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. (Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks square off on Monday 8 p.m ET at the United Center. The game marks the Bulls debut of Chicago native Dwyane Wade, who also drew interest from the young Bucks last offseason.
Preview:
After 13 years and three championships with the Miami Heat, Wade decided to return home to the Windy City. With the Derrick Rose era officially over following his trade to the New York Knicks, Wade shares the role of the new face of the franchise with All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler.
Rajon Rondo, last season's assists leader, also joined the team this offseason, giving the Bulls a three-headed backcourt monster. However, the Bulls are far from being considered a major threat to the Cavaliers. For them to become a legit contender this season, a number of guys should step up, including second-year big man Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic.
Meanwhile, the Bucks have become younger and more athletic after selecting Thon Maker with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 Draft. The Sudanese-born Aussie showed enormous potential during his Summer League campaign, giving the Bucks top-brass another reason to be optimistic of their future along with Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Players to Watch:
Bulls: Wade's debut is the main attraction for tonight's ball game at United Center, but Rondo's performance at the starting point guard spot is guaranteed to draw scrutiny after the game. Rondo has always been known to be a ball dominant guy. Will he create conflict or opportunity for other ball-dominant teammates like Wade and Butler? There's only way to find out.
Bucks: Antetokounmpo! After three seasons of showing flashes of brilliance, Giannis now needs to put up work consistently and reach his potential all along - to be an All-Star. There's no better way to make a statement than a preseason game with the Bulls, where he can go head-to-head with the best perimeter locker in the game in Butler.
Prediction:
With the home crowd behind them, the Bulls will storm into an early lead before the Bucks catches up in the second quarter. Wade and Rondo will have their moments in the game, so will Butler, who is poised to be the scoring leader for the Bulls this season. As for the Bucks, they will prove that athleticism and length could bring wonder on both ends of the floor.
It's going to be a good ballgame with regular-season feel, featuring high-flying dunks and fastbreak runs. Eventually, the Bulls will find a way to grind out a W at home.
Bulls vs. Bucks live stream is available on NBA League pass, while you can check stats, boxcore sheets and highlights on NBA/ Gamecenter.
