Bucks vs. Bulls

Where, when, TV: Milwaukee; 6:30 p.m. EDT; TNT.

Story: The defending champion Bucks will play their closest rival in Round 1, with Milwaukee and Chicago separated by only about 90 miles. Reigning NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo found a new level in last season’s playoffs. The Bulls were 28-15 when the Bucks’ Grayson Allen took out the Bulls’ Alex Caruso on a play at the rim, causing the Bulls guard to break his wrist. The Bulls went 18-21 the rest of the way, playing without Caruso for much of those contests. Key matchup: Bucks’ Khris Middleton vs. Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan. Both are good enough to simply take over games on their own.