Cleveland (53-10) at Milwaukee (36-26)
- When: Mar 9 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: FDSWI
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Spread: Cleveland -9.0 | Total: 238.5
Two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams clash in their final regular-season meeting, as the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. While Cleveland has been on an absolute tear, the Bucks are trying to rebound from a tough loss on the second night of a back-to-back.
Cleveland Cavaliers
One of the Hottest Teams in the NBA
Cleveland has been nearly unstoppable, extending their winning streak to 13 games after a hard-fought 118-117 victory over the Hornets. The Cavaliers have now won 17 of their last 18 games and are closing in on their longest win streak in franchise history.
Despite some sloppy play late against Charlotte, Donovan Mitchell led the way with 24 points, and the team thrived at the free-throw line, going 43-for-51 (84.3%). Cleveland continues to dominate in offensive efficiency, leading the league in offensive rating (122.1), points per game (123.1), and three-point percentage (39.2%).
Mitchell remains the focal point, averaging 24.4 points per game, while Darius Garland orchestrates the offense with 6.7 assists per contest. Jarrett Allen provides a strong interior presence, leading the team with 10.3 rebounds per game.
Cleveland has already swept the Bucks this season, winning all three meetings, including a 124-101 blowout on Dec. 20. In that matchup, Mitchell dropped 27 points, and the Cavaliers had six players in double figures.
Given their offensive firepower and defensive efficiency (111.1 defensive rating, better than Milwaukee’s 111.8), the Cavaliers should be able to dictate the pace and keep their winning streak rolling.
Milwaukee Bucks
Struggling Against Elite Competition
Milwaukee enters this game on the heels of a disappointing 111-109 home loss to Orlando, which snapped their four-game winning streak. The Bucks trailed by as many as 17 points and struggled to generate good looks, an issue head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged postgame.
“We didn’t move the ball well,” Rivers said. “We danced with it, and when we do that, we’re not very good.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 30.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Damian Lillard, averaging 7.2 assists per contest, has been a solid playmaker, but his scoring efficiency has dipped in recent weeks.
The Bucks’ offense remains strong, ranking just behind Cleveland in three-point percentage (38.3%), but they’ve struggled on defense, and their inability to contain elite teams has been a problem.
Injuries could also play a role, as Milwaukee was without Pat Connaughton (calf), Gary Trent Jr. (knee), and Ryan Rollins (personal) against Orlando. Giannis (calf) and Lillard (eye) were both listed on the injury report before Saturday’s game but ended up playing.
The Bucks are 0-3 against Cleveland this season and have struggled to find answers for the Cavaliers’ balanced attack. Unless Milwaukee can make defensive adjustments and get more offensive production from its supporting cast, they could be in trouble once again.
Betting Prediction & Props to Watch
Cleveland has been dominant against the spread and owns a 16.5-game lead over Milwaukee in the Central Division. The Cavaliers’ well-rounded play on both ends makes them a strong bet to extend their winning streak.
Best Bet: Cleveland -9.0 – The Cavaliers have controlled this matchup all season and have the offensive efficiency to cover again.
Total Play: Lean Over 238.5 – Both teams rank in the top five in offensive efficiency, and with Milwaukee on a back-to-back, expect a high-scoring affair.
Prop to Watch: Donovan Mitchell Over Points – Mitchell has been the go-to scorer in this matchup and should be heavily involved again.
Expect Cleveland to continue their dominance over Milwaukee and add another win to their impressive streak.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
