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Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: The Bucks Currently Sit First Overall

Written by: Christian Jope
Updated December 21, 2022
15 min read
  • The Milwaukee Bucks enter this game on a two-game winning streak.
  • The Cleveland Cavaliers have now won four games in a row.
  • The Bucks have dominated their regular season matchup against the Cavaliers, going 2-0 so far.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions and Picks

The matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers has serious implications for the top of the Eastern Conference. The Bucks currently sit first overall, with a 22-8 record and an 8-5 record on the road. The Cavaliers aren't far behind in third place, owning a 21-11 record and a 15-2 record on their home court.

Milwaukee enter this game off the back of two impressive wins over strong Western Conference teams. They'll continue their five-game road trip when they face Cleveland in the second match of five. The Cavaliers enter this game on a four-game win streak, now winning three games of their current six-game home stand.

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Bucks vs Cavaliers Predictions

Head-to-Head: Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Milwaukee Bucks
Head-to-HeadCleveland Cavaliers
Mike BudenholzerHead CoachJ.B. Bickerstaff
22-8 (1st in East)Standing21-11 (3rd in East)
W-W-L-WFormW-W-W-W
113.1 (15th of 30)Off Rtg114.0 (11th of 30)
108.8 (2nd of 30)Def Rtg107.3 (1st of 30)
99.3 (15th of 30)Pace95.4 (30th of 30)

Leaders (Per Game)

G. Antetokounmpo (31.0)PPGD. Mitchell (29.3)
G. Antetokounmpo (11.1)RPGJ. Allen (10.3)
J. Holiday (7.6)APGD. Garland (8.0)
J. Holiday (1.5)SPGD. Garland (1.4)
B. Lopez (2.7)BPGJ. Allen, E. Mobley (1.3)
G. Antetokounmpo (.533)/G. Antetokounmpo (11.1)FG%/FGMR. Lopez (.643)/D. Mitchell (10.3)
J. Carter (.408)/J. Holiday (2.3)3P%/3PMD. Mitchell (.431)/D. Mitchell (3.9)

Injury Report

PlayerTeamDateStatusInfo
Khris MiddletonMilwaukee Bucks19 Dec 2022Day to Day (Knee)Middleton was OUT for Milwaukee's Monday (Dec 19) game.
Ricky RubioCleveland Cavaliers18 Oct 2022Out (Knee)Rubio is still recovering from a left ACL tear, there is no timetable for his return.
Dylan WindlerCleveland Cavaliers16 Nov 2022Out (Ankle)Winder will miss another 4-6 weeks.
Dean WadeCleveland Cavaliers04 Dec 2022Out (Shoulder)Wade suffered an AC joint sprain and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
Lamar StevensCleveland Cavaliers 19 Dec 2022Day to Day (Knee)Stevens was OUT for Cleveland's Monday (Dec 19) game.

Moneyline: Milwaukee Bucks (+110) @ Caesars Sportsbook

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The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers enter what is expected to be one of the most heated matchups of the early season. The Bucks have won seven of their last ten games and enter this matchup on a two-game win streak. On the other side, the hosting Cleveland Cavaliers also have seven wins out of their last 10 and are on a four-game win streak.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been comfortable in their two wins over the Cavaliers this season, averaging 115.0 points while holding them to 100.0 through their past games. Despite Cleveland's size, Milwaukee have dominated the glass 47.5 to 37.5 while also converting on 15.5 three-pointers per game. Cleveland are on a hot streak as of late, but the Bucks have already proven that they have a strong counter to the Eastern Conference hopefuls.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a really good run of form, shooting 50.9% from the field over their four-game win streak. But with Milwaukee's interior defense and the Cavaliers' own historical struggles against the Bucks' paint presence, expect another series win for Milwaukee. The Bucks have more than proven themselves a strong match for the Cavs.

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Two teams that haven't exactly lit up the scoreboard when they've faced off, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks likely won't change that trend. In their last two meetings this season, the Bucks are averaging 115.0 points while the Cavaliers are averaging just 100.0 points. However, when the two teams meet in this game, the Cavaliers should have their full scoring complement available.

On the season, the Bucks are averaging 113.1 points per game and allowing just 108.8 points per game for a point differential of +4.3. The Cavaliers are averaging 110.9 points per game and are allowing just 104.4 points per game for a +6.5-point differential. Cleveland will hope that their fully healthy starting lineup will make a difference when these teams meet.

Cleveland own the league's slowest pace, 95.4 - good enough for last in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks are right in the middle of the pack, owning a 99.3 pace. It'll be a tough and deliberate battle in the paint between these two teams, but the Bucks' interior defense should once again be the difference maker to hold down the Cavaliers' offense.

How to Watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Who: Milwaukee Bucks & Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
  • When: 7:00 PM EST, Wednesday, December 21, 2022
  • How to Watch: Bally Sports WI, Bally Sports Ohio, NBA League Pass (Stream)
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AUTHOR

Christian Jope

1420 Articles

Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.

Email: [email protected]

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