Bucks vs. Bulls playoff preview: Defending champs look to continue dominance over Central division rivals

Heading into the final day of the regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks just had to beat the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they rested everyone, punted the game and dropped into the No. 3 seed, setting up a matchup with their Central division rivals, the Chicago Bulls. 

While many were surprised to see the defending champions maneuver around the playoff matchups like that, it was perhaps understandable considering the Bucks won all four regular-season matchups against the Bulls, including comprehensive double-digit victories in the final two meetings. 

With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, and their vast supply of playoff experience, the Bucks will feel confident they can continue their dominance over the Bulls come playoff time. Even more so considering the Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball and have not been playing their best basketball down the stretch. 

Ahead of Game 1 on Sunday, here’s everything you need to know about this first-round series:

Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe.

Thanks for signing up!

Keep an eye on your inbox.

Sorry!

There was an error processing your subscription.

Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Chicago Bulls (6)

Game 1: Bulls at Bucks | Sunday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. ET | TV: TNTGame 2: Bulls at Bucks | Wednesday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. ET | TV:…