Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Cavaliers are tough to handle

As someone who hands out suggestions, tips, advice, prediction, evaluation, team make-ups, statistics, and viewpoints, the recent COVID-19 scenario has made the trade difficult. And it is the same for bookmakers, bettors, tipsters, and enthusiasts alike, the situation has turned upside down. In another tricky betting affair, the Milwaukee Bucks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a typical Eastern Conference showdown. Bucks will be without Giannis in this game while Cavaliers are way healthier than the Bucks at the time of writing the news. For an overview, head over to the “Notes” section, for game result prediction and total prediction, hop over to “Expert Betting Tips”.

Cavs can shut the shop

Offensive comparisons: Recently, Cavaliers have scored in the 115-124 points range and they have been blowing out their opponents regularly. The Cleveland squad has increased the range with each month and in December, the team has reached a new height. On the other, the Bucks are without Giannis and the two games without him, they scored 114 and 105 in the regular time in a small size of two games. Stil, the Bucks have a bunch of scorers and if there is no other injury, trust me, they have the potential to score even 115 points.

Defensive comparisons: Cavalies have not allowed more than 106 points in the last five games, shutting down teams in 89-106 points range and an outfit that can score around 115 or so can shut the shop early. Cavaliers defense can be attributed to length, athleticism, and some wonderful discipline, Cavaliers’ Head Coach J.B. Bickrestaff is my Coach of the Year candidate early in the season. On the other hand, the Bucks defense can take a hit without Giannis but they have some experienced and disciplined defenders so it will be not a surprise if they can restrict opponents to a 98-108 points range.

Notes

Here are the quick hitters related to the game:

• Bucks have scored 112(OT), 114, 103, 112, 123 in the last five games;
• Bucks have allowed 116(OT), 99, 117, 90, 104 in the last five games;
• Cavaliers have scored 124, 105, 117, 123, 115 in the last five games;
• Cavaliers have allowed 89, 94, 103, 106, 92 in the last five games;
• Milwaukee Bucks have won ten games and have four losses at home;
• Cavaliers have won nine games and have seven losses away from home;
• Jrue Holiday has scored 40, 26 points in the last two games;
• Darius Garland leads the team in assists with around seven a game;
• Jrue Holiday has lodged at least 5 assists in most of the games;
• Jarrett Allen has registered at least 8 rebounds in each of the last five games;
• Evan Mobley is questionable for the game when it comes to the Cavaliers;
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez continue to be out for the Bucks;
• Check the injury list before placing stakes.

Expert Betting tips

Points Range: Cavaliers have scored in the 114-123 points range courtesy of their length. The team is deep at the Frontline where Love, Allen, Markkanen, Wade, and Mobley can all go for big points. On the other hand, the Bucks can still manage decent production considering they have Middleton, Holiday, Nwora, Connaughton, and Allen but Middleton missed the last game. Still, I think the Bucks can at least reach 105. I think the points range here is 211-225.

Prediction: Bucks have been blessed with some depth and have kept themselves afloat even with the majority of the starters out. This can mean that the Cavaliers will face some challenge. Although I’d argue that with their current and team depth, Cavaliers can be tougher than the last two teams this Giannis-less squad has faced. I choose the Cavaliers to win this 113:101 unless they have major injuries or COVID-19 outbreak before the game.

Betting Options

• W2 for 1.97;
• Points Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers +1.5 for 1.83;
• Team Totals: CLE Cavaliers Over 107.5 for 1.90.