How the Chicago Bulls can upset the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1

1. Nikola Vucevic must take more of a back seat for the Chicago Bulls

The playoffs are all about momentum. How are these Bulls riding into the postseason right now? Well, for one, they are coming off a win without their top three players, which is good. But, specifically, the few games prior were atrocious — especially for Nikola Vucevic. Over his last three games, Vucevic has shot 2-for-6, 5-for-13 and 3-for-19 — all of those games under 40 percent with the real bad one finishing at 15 percent shooting.

All season long, Vucevic has been wildly inconsistent. His season averages don’t tell the whole story, as over 17 points and 11 boards per game are respectable. But, Vucevic has been a defensive liability off and on. He’s been caught sleeping regularly, giving up open dunks and finishes at the rim.

Offensively, Vucevic goes through spurts where he shoots constantly without the majority going in. There are times where he has to stop shooting, but doesn’t. As we saw in the game against Minnesota, Patrick Williams can be extremely effective as a third option on offense if he’s given the opportunity.

Vucevic must take a back seat, especially on offense, and instead Williams has to become that third option. He’s more versatile and can drive to the hoop, and he’s also a bit more aggressive on defense. Williams has to be a key player, while Vucevic takes a step back. For this team to beat Milwaukee, they’re going to need guys who can be aggressive, get to the hoop and get to the line.

If Vucevic isn’t reliable, the Bulls can’t bank on him, period.