NFL Pickwatch - Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/20/2024 7:30 PM EST

We have your Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Milwaukee Bucks hit the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Milwaukee Bucks +320 (Caesars) / Cleveland Cavaliers -390 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: -9.0 - Milwaukee Bucks -110 (bet365) / Cleveland Cavaliers -110 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 223.5 - Under -108 (DraftKings) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 12/20/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland, OH)
TV: NBA TV

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends

On the road, the Milwaukee Bucks have 5 wins and 7 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Milwaukee Bucks have 2 wins and 5 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have 15 wins and 11 losses.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends

At home, the Cleveland Cavaliers have 14 wins and 1 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Cleveland Cavaliers have 21 wins and 3 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have 23 wins and 4 losses.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers have faced each other six times, with the Cavaliers winning four of those encounters and the Bucks securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with each team winning three times on their home court and three times as the visiting team. In terms of betting outcomes, both teams have covered the spread three times each. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total score going under the set line in four of the six matchups, while only two games have gone over.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on November 4, 2024, with the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 116-114. The Cavaliers were the favorites with a point spread of -8.0, but the Bucks managed to cover the spread despite the loss. Darius Garland was a standout performer for the Cavaliers, scoring 39 points, while Donovan Mitchell contributed with key plays. For the Bucks, Damian Lillard led the scoring with 36 points. The Cavaliers had a slight edge in shooting efficiency, hitting 50.5% of their field goals compared to the Bucks' 48.8%. Additionally, the Cavaliers out-rebounded the Bucks 49-39, which played a crucial role in their victory. Turnovers were also a factor, with the Bucks committing 15 compared to the Cavaliers' 10.

In the broader context of these matchups, the games have been competitive, with both teams showing the ability to win on the road and at home. The Cavaliers have been slightly more successful overall, but the Bucks have demonstrated resilience, particularly in covering the spread. The scoring trends suggest a tendency towards lower-scoring games, with the under hitting more frequently. As the teams prepare to face each other again on December 20, 2024, these historical insights provide a foundation for understanding the dynamics and potential outcomes of their upcoming clash.

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face a formidable challenge as they travel to Cleveland to take on the league-leading Cavaliers. Fresh off their NBA Cup victory, the Bucks are riding a wave of momentum, but they face a daunting task against a Cavaliers team that boasts the best record in the NBA at 23-4. The Bucks, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-11 record, will need to bring their A-game to compete with a Cavaliers squad that has been dominant at home, winning 14 of their 15 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this season.

Milwaukee's recent success has been largely driven by the stellar play of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to lead the league in scoring with an impressive 32.7 points per game. Despite being listed as probable due to a knee issue, Antetokounmpo is expected to play and will be crucial in countering Cleveland's defensive prowess, particularly the interior presence of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, the Bucks will be without Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a right calf strain. Lillard's absence will put additional pressure on the Bucks' backcourt, which will need to step up against Cleveland's dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been firing on all cylinders, leading the league in offensive rating and field-goal percentage. Their recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets showcased their depth, with seven players scoring in double figures. Cleveland's ability to spread the floor and their defensive tenacity, as emphasized by coach Kenny Atkinson, will be key factors in their strategy against Milwaukee. The Cavaliers have also had recent success against the Bucks, winning their last three encounters, including two narrow victories earlier this season.

As the Bucks and Cavaliers prepare to clash, the game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles. Milwaukee will look to leverage their defensive strengths and the brilliance of Antetokounmpo, while Cleveland will aim to capitalize on their offensive efficiency and home-court advantage. With both teams in excellent form, this matchup is set to be a thrilling contest that could have significant implications for the standings in the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline

The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to extend their dominance as they host the Milwaukee Bucks, and the moneyline pick strongly favors the Cavaliers. With a stellar 23-4 record, Cleveland has been the most formidable team in the league, particularly at home where they boast an impressive 14-1 record. Their offensive prowess is unmatched, leading the NBA in offensive rating and field-goal percentage, which underscores their ability to consistently outscore opponents. The Cavaliers' depth was on full display in their recent 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, where seven players scored in double figures, highlighting their balanced attack.

Defensively, the Cavaliers have been equally impressive, ranking ninth in the league, and their ability to turn teams over and contest shots has been a point of emphasis for coach Kenny Atkinson. This defensive tenacity will be crucial against a Bucks team that will be without Damian Lillard, a key offensive weapon. Lillard's absence due to a right calf strain significantly weakens Milwaukee's backcourt, leaving them vulnerable against Cleveland's dynamic guard duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The Cavaliers have already demonstrated their superiority over the Bucks this season, winning their last three encounters, including two tightly contested games earlier this year.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a formidable force for Milwaukee, leading the league in scoring, the Cavaliers' interior defense, anchored by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, is well-equipped to challenge him. The Bucks' recent form, although buoyed by their NBA Cup victory, faces a stern test against a Cavaliers team that has consistently proven its mettle against top-tier competition. Given Cleveland's home-court advantage, superior depth, and recent success against Milwaukee, the Cavaliers are the clear choice for the moneyline pick in this matchup.

Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers Top Player Prop Picks

Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 11.5 Rebounds -115 (DraftKings)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a dominant force on the boards this season, leading the Milwaukee Bucks with an average of 11.5 rebounds per game. Despite being listed as probable due to a knee issue, Antetokounmpo's recent performances suggest he will continue to be a key contributor in this area. In the NBA Cup final, he recorded a staggering 19 rebounds, showcasing his ability to control the glass against formidable opponents. With the Bucks facing a strong Cleveland Cavaliers team, Antetokounmpo's presence in the paint will be crucial, especially with the absence of Damian Lillard, which may require Giannis to take on an even larger role. The Cavaliers, while strong defensively, will have their hands full containing Giannis, making the over on his rebounds a compelling pick.

Donovan Mitchell Over 23.5 Points -109 (Caesars)

Donovan Mitchell has been a consistent scoring threat for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the team with an average of 23.3 points per game. As the Cavaliers prepare to face the Bucks, Mitchell's scoring prowess will be pivotal, especially given Milwaukee's weakened backcourt without Damian Lillard. In their previous encounters this season, Mitchell has been instrumental in Cleveland's success, contributing significantly to their offensive output. With the Cavaliers leading the league in offensive rating and field-goal percentage, Mitchell is poised to exploit the Bucks' defensive gaps. His ability to score in bunches, combined with the Cavaliers' home-court advantage, makes the over on his points a strong proposition.

Brook Lopez Over 1.5 Blocks 100 (DraftKings)

Brook Lopez has been a defensive stalwart for the Milwaukee Bucks, and his shot-blocking ability will be crucial against the high-powered offense of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lopez's presence in the paint is a key component of Milwaukee's defensive strategy, and with the Cavaliers' tendency to attack the rim, he will have ample opportunities to rack up blocks. Given the Cavaliers' offensive efficiency, Lopez's role in disrupting their rhythm will be vital. His track record of protecting the rim, coupled with the Bucks' need to compensate for Lillard's absence, makes the over on his blocks an attractive bet.