NBA Matchup: Cavaliers vs. Bucks
In a highly anticipated NBA matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. EST in Milwaukee. Currently, the Cavaliers stand at 37 wins and 22 losses, securing the fourth position in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks, with a record of 25 wins and 31 losses, occupy the 11th spot. According to the latest from BETMGM, the Cavaliers are favored by nine points with an over/under of 227.5 for the game.
Team Performance Overview
Both teams have shown varying degrees of success against their division rivals, with the Bucks holding a record of 7-4, though they are allowing an average of 115.4 points per game, resulting in a negative scoring differential of 3.1. Conversely, Cleveland has performed well against their divisional foes, recording a 7-3 mark this season while boasting the fourth-highest offensive output in the league, averaging 119.5 points per game on an impressive shooting efficiency of 47.7%.
Statistically, Milwaukee trails in scoring, averaging 112.3 points per game, which is 2.7 points below the 115.0 points the Cavaliers typically concede. On defense, Cleveland’s field goal percentage allowed stands at 46.4%, slightly higher than their own shooting percentage.
Previous Encounters
This matchup marks the third encounter of the season between the two clubs, with Cleveland emerging victorious in their previous outing on November 18, ending with a score of 118-106, buoyed by a standout performance from Donovan Mitchell, who netted 37 points.
Key Players to Watch
Key players to watch include Ryan Rollins for the Bucks, who is averaging 17.2 points while connecting on 46.7% of his attempts, and AJ Green, who has been making 3 three-pointers per game on average in the last ten contests. For the Cavaliers, Mitchell is on a scoring tear with 28.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while Jarrett Allen has been impactful on both ends of the court, contributing 20.5 points and 11.4 rebounds over the same timeframe.
Recent Form and Injury Updates
In terms of recent form, the Bucks are 7-3 in their last ten games, scoring an average of 114.2 points per game, while shooting at 48.8%. Their opponents, however, managed to average 113.4 points against them. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, boast a record of 8-2 recently, scoring at a remarkable average of 120.8 points and shooting 50% from the field, while their opponents averaged 109.6 points per game.
Injury updates for the game show the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is day-to-day due to a calf issue, while Taurean Prince is ruled out with neck discomfort. The Cavaliers will be without Max Strus, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
