The Chicago Bulls need just one more win to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, but the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t going away quietly.
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee.
When: Friday May 1, 00:00 (UK time)
Prior to this series starting, the Bulls were heavy favourites to progress with ease given their previous record against their rivals and superior talent on their roster.
Having taken a 3-0 series lead it looked as though it would be sticking to the form guide, but the Bucks have fought back admirably and have now reduced their lead to 3-2.
After missing out on two opportunities to wrap up the series, Chicago will give it a third go on Thursday night on the road and will be under pressure to finally deliver the knockout blow.
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler have alternated between impressive performances, but the latter insists that the entire team needs to step up defensively but it starts with him given that he is their prime-time defender.
Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah continue to rack up the points and rebounds, but for whatever reason they have been unable to shut out the Bucks while struggling to string offensive plays together against a tight-knit defense.
On the other side of the court, Jason Kidd will be delighted with his team and will not have given up hope of causing a huge upset by fighting back from three games down. Regardless of how this series ends, his young roster will have gained invaluable post-season experience along the way.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Michael Carter-Williams have all been impressive throughout, but it will take another big effort from all to raise the anxiety levels in the Chicago to breaking point.
If the Bulls win, then Milwaukee are eliminated. If the Bucks win, then the series will go to Chicago for a decider. Either way, this has been an incredible series to get started as the Cleveland Cavaliers await their next opponent.
Prediction: Time for the Bulls to finally get the job done and win the series 4-2.
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