Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 24/01/2024, 07:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 24/01/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers head to Fiserv Forum to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA on Wednesday evening. The hosts are 34-10 and lead the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 26-15 and currently in fourth place. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a hot streak, securing victories in 13 of their last 16 games and extending their win streak to eight after a dominant 126-99 road triumph over the Magic on Monday. Sam Merrill emerged as the leading scorer with 26 points coming off the bench, while Donovan Mitchell contributed 25 points along with 13 assists. Cleveland currently ranks 20th in NBA scoring, averaging 114 points per game, while Milwaukee's defensive performance places them 25th in the league, allowing 120.5 points per game. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, Cleveland has been more prolific in scoring at home, averaging 1.8 more points per game (114.8) compared to their away games (113.0). On the defensive front, Cleveland has been exceptional, boasting the second-best defense in the league and limiting opponents to just 109.7 points per game this season. However, the team faces challenges with the 25-game suspension of Tristan Thompson due to a violation of the league's anti-drug program. Additionally, Caris LeVert is uncertain for the upcoming game due to a wrist injury.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are regaining momentum with five wins in their last six games, seeking a third consecutive victory following a 122-113 road triumph over the Pistons on Monday. Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a triple-double, contributing 31 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Khris Middleton added 26 points. The Bucks stand as the league's second-ranked scoring team, averaging 124.6 points per game. However, they face a formidable opponent in the Cleveland Cavaliers, who boast the second-best defense in the NBA, allowing only 109.7 points per game. Defensively, the Bucks have room for improvement, conceding an average of 120.5 points per game and ranking 25th in the league. Notably, they have allowed fewer points in home games (119.7 opponent points per home game) compared to their road games (121.4). The Bucks have a clean bill of health for this one.