How the Chicago Bulls can end Milwaukee’s season

The Bulls have struggled to rebound the ball all season. They finished 28th in the NBA with 42.3 rebounds per game and 29th with 8.7 offensive rebounds per game.

In comparison, the Bucks finished 2nd and 15th in those areas, with 46.7 and 10.2, respectfully.

In four matchups during the season, the Bucks outrebounded the Bulls by 9.8 rebounds per game. During the previous two games, the Bulls have averaged 48 rebounds per game and 11 offensive rebounds per game. The Bucks have managed 53 and 10, respectfully.

Rebounding is an effort statistic. The harder you try for them, the more you’ll pull down.

The Bulls have made it clear that they’re not going to allow the Bucks a meaningful rebounding advantage in this series. Over the first two games, the Bulls have accumulated 37 successful boxouts to the Bucks’ 15.

With how much size the Bulls lose against giants like Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis in the paint, the guards have to help Nikola Vucevic and Tristan Thompson under the rim in order to give the Bulls a chance to win, and so far they’ve stepped up to this challenge. Zach LaVine secured 10 rebounds in game one. Bulls starters not named Nikola Vucevic have accounted for 21.5 rebounds per game this series, in addition to the big man’s 15.

Securing rebounds is essential in the playoffs, and given the Bulls’ track record on the glass, this was supposed to be one of the largest statistical mismatches in Milwaukee’s favor. Continuing to take this advantage away can help lead to further success in this series for Chicago.