Cavs vs Bucks Prediction and Betting Tips 20 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction
NLB Staff
20.12.2024 01:57
Cavs vs Bucks Prediction
With the Cleveland Cavaliers being a strong two-way unit that continues to find ways to win, they play a Bucks unit that keeps being on their hot streak after winning some huge games. As the Cavs come off a 130-101 win against Brooklyn, this Bucks unit had come out victorious versus an OKC unit. This game will be played on December 21st at 6:00 A.M. IST in Quick and Loans Arena of Cleveland. Below are our key betting tips, vital player props, important injuries, and head-to-head trends heading into this game.
Cavs vs Bucks Key Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Moneyline Pick
Seeing that the Bucks have a -130 money line during this matchup, it should be taken as they have more star-level on this side. Led by Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. in their backcourt, this duo should outscore plus have more assists than Darius Garland with Donovan Mitchell. As Isaac Okoro continues struggling to score for the Cavs, Khris Middleton’s strong defense plus their ability to score on the other end should help him have a statistical advantage. Having an MVP-level piece like Giannias Antentokoumpo set to outplay Evan Mobley as a scorer plus rebounder, Brook Lopez should continue being a stretch-scoring center against Jarrett Allen. All in all, the -130 money line should be taken for the Bucks and their first win to start a new streak.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Point Spread Pick
Being the team with a -1.5 spread during this game, the Bucks should win it as they have a very strong unit that continues getting better. Led by Damian Lillard at point guard, his ability to create passes and score remains a vital factor for this offense. As their main leader and someone who can drive in or kick out great looks, his speed plus great ball-handling should beat Darius Garland’s defense. Seeing that Garland is a much lower-volume scorer than him, Lillard should force the Cavs guard into tougher looks and make him have many tough dribbling chances throughout this game. With Gary Trent Jr. continuing to be a vital piece that continues knocking down three-point looks plus longer shots throughout, he will keep it competitive against Donovan Mitchell. Although Mitchell has a greater chance of scoring more points, Trent Jr.’s side-to-side defense and ability to close out should continue playing a huge factor while creating turnovers for scores on the other end. Having someone like Khris Middleton continue scoring at a high rate from inside or out, should control Isaac Okoro’s defense. Although Okoro has shown promise in stealing, Middleton will set up great looks and also win a rebounding advantage. With Giannias Antetoukompo continuing to play at an All-NBA level and finishing inside at a high rate, he will handle Evan Mobley’s strong defense, while Brook Lopez should stretch the floor and use size against Jarrett Allen. All in all, this -1.5 spread looks perfect for Milwaukee.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Over/Under Pick (Total Points)
As the over/under is 222.5 points, these two teams should have strong offensive performances with several weapons around. Seeing that the Cavaliers have a solid passing guard, his ability to score layups inside and create from deep continues to be a benefit. With their top scorer at shooting from everywhere, this group has a power forward that can create shots from inside through fade-aways or floaters at the block. Having a center that keeps putting back layups, they play a Bucks unit led by one of the most athletic guards who can shoot from anywhere and be a creative passer. Being a great shooting unit, this group’s SG should continue providing deep looks, while also attacking from mid-range. With their small forward being a massive all-around scorer, this unit’s power forward should have another MVP-like performance from inside. Being with a center who can score from outside or in, this game should go over 230 points from last time.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Top Player Props
Isaac Okoro under 7.0 points at 1.78: Being a small forward who hasn’t been able to score very well this season, his struggles will continue against a strong defense. Having to match up against Khris Middleton’s strong defense and ability to move side-to-side, Okoro will have a tougher time finding looks. Seeing this, he should be under his season average in this matchup.
Giannis Antentokoumpo over 29.5 points at 1.67: Seeing that the Bucks power forward continues hustling down the lane for dunks and finishing inside, he should have a huge game. Going against a strong defender like Evan Mobley, this piece should have a rare mismatch with his athleticism and leaping ability to finish. Being someone who scores 32.7 a night, he should go over during this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury News & Impact
Cleveland Cavaliers Injuries: With Max Strus, 12.2 points, out due to an ankle problem, this group will have no Jaylen Tyson because of an illness. Seeing Craig Porter Jr. has a left ankle sprain, there will be no Luke Travers in this game.
Milwaukee Bucks Injuries: The Bucks currently don’t have any injuries and should continue running out with similar lineups.
Cavs vs Bucks Head-to-Head Trends
Looking at the Cavs having won three straight games, things will change in this game as Milwaukee has shown great growth against top-notch teams. A group that scored over 100 points in 4 straight games, this unit has scored 115.8 points during these matchups. Being 2-4 against the spread over their previous 6 games against Cleveland, Milwaukee is losing too close to this record.
Betting Insights & Public Trends
Looking at the current betting insights and public trends, the Bucks are projected to win by 52.1% of bettors against Cleveland.
Cavs vs Bucks Final Prediction
As the Milwaukee Bucks enter this game on a very strong streak over their last several games, they play a Cleveland unit that this group has proven to be stronger than. Having great size and strength on both ends of the floor, the game ahead should continue the Buck's great run of beating high-level teams. Led by Damian Lillard at point guard, his ability to drive in and create for others has become a vital component of this offense. Playing at a superstar level once again and being able to show his dominance as a leader, he should easily match up against Darius Garland. As an improved defender to be somewhat of a two-way threat, Lillard should limit Garland’s passing game by creating deflections, while also reaching-in with elite prowess. Creating transition opportunities for this group, all matches well as a top-notch ball-handler. With Gary Trent Jr. being one of the better three-point shooters in NBA play, a vital piece has become his growth as a defender remains vital. Being someone who can create steals too, his prowess will limit Donovan Mitchell’s elite offensive game. Known for his close-out defending and ability to match up side-to-side, he should have a great performance against a very important situation during this game.
With Khris Middleton returning to this lineup, his ability as a scorer and someone who can grab rebounds remains vital for this group. As a piece that continues hitting his looks from inside or long-range, he will have a masterful matchup against Isaac Okoro. Being a key component as a defender too, he should use wingspan and knocking-away abilities to create steals plus blocks, while limiting any game from Okoro. Although Evan Mobley is a strong rebounder and defender, he will be controlled by Giannias Antentokoumpo as a much more powerful board-getter plus scorer throughout. Seeing that Brook Lopez will outscore and play more of a wing game against Jarrett Allen, Bobby Portis and Pat Counnaughton should continue playing huge roles. Cleveland can keep it to their victory if Ty Jerome plus Caris LeVert shows up well.
Our prediction: The Milwaukee Bucks should win this game and cover their -1.5 spread, while the score goes over 222.5 points.
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