The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight in Rocket Mortage Fieldhouse. The last time these two teams matched up was last season, where the Cavaliers pulled out the win with a score of 114-102. Cleveland has won 5 out their last 6 games along with defeating Milwaukee in the last two matchups at home.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Spread Set at 6.5, Over/Under 239.5 Points
Milwaukee, who is projected to win this game by 7 points or more have won 16 out of 18 games this season as a -225 favorite or higher, but are below .500 against the spread with a 14-17 record. Cleveland is 17-14 against the spread this season and have won 5 of their 12 games as underdogs.
Darius Garland (fractured jaw) and Evan Mobley (left knee surgery) have been ruled out for tonight’s contest versus the Bucks and Donovan Mitchell (illness) is listed as a game-time decision. Mitchell has missed the last 4 games due to an illness. So, his health will likely be monitored leading up to the game. With the Cavaliers big three banged up, Milwaukee -6.5 has value in tonight’s matchup.
The Bucks are the second highest scoring team in the league averaging just over 125 points per game and have become more reliant on the offensive side of the ball since acquiring Damian Lillard in the off-season. Cleveland on the other hand average 112.1 points per game and have only gone over 239.5 points in 6 games this season.
The last four matchups between these two teams have gone under 239.5 points. Even with Milwaukee’s offensive boost this season, there is value in the under for this contest.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 Points (-110 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is listed as probable for tonight’s matchup versus Cleveland has put together an early MVP campaign for Milwaukee this season averaging 30.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
Antetokounmpo put 38 and 45 points in the last two matchups versus the Cavaliers and defensive player of the year candidate Evan Mobley is out for tonight’s contest. Giannis to score over 31.5 points is my best bet of the contest.
Donovan Mitchell Over 29.5 Points (-110 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert getting shots up at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ shootaround in Dallas. Both players are questionable to play against the Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/zKqW96eBkg
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 27, 2023
While Donovan Mitchell is listed as a game-time decision tonight with an illness, he was seen getting shots up on Wednesday and has already missed four games in a row leading up to today.
If Mitchell does play, there will be extra shots up for grabs considering Garland, Mobley and Ty Jerome are out with injuries. Mithell to score 30 holds value in tonight’s contest considering Cleveland will need him to take command of the scoring. If Mitchell is ruled out, look for Caris LeVert to step up on offense.
Tonight’s Eastern Conference matchup will begin at 7:30 PM Eastern time streaming live on NBA League Pass.