It is a Central Division match with the top two teams of the division meeting on the court. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have an eight-game advantage but the two teams are closer than the standings. Each team was off on the 13-game slate yesterday and should be well rested.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks: Take The Money & Run

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a victorious campaign in the Emirates 2024 NBA Cup. They added to their trophy case with their second championship this decade. They have also won eleven of their last thirteen games and are the hottest team in the NBA.

The Bucks could be in for a rough game with Damian Lillard out and Khris Middleton plus Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as questionable. This team is heavily dependent on its stars, but most teams fortunate enough to have a star are dependent on them. Milwaukee are +8-point underdogs and may have a difficult time covering.

 

 

 

Cleveland Cavaliers: Closer

The Cavaliers are in control of the division and still are the best team in the NBA. They have an opportunity to put the Bucks ‘back in place’. The Cavaliers will have two great guards that will be pressing the Bucks offensively. They also have one of the few front courts that can compete with Giannis Antetokoumpo and Brook Lopez. 

Look for a competitive game and for the Cavaliers to come out scoring early and often. They could control this game from wire to wire and have a chance to reclaim the momentum of the season. They can get closer to their goal of reaching the NBA Finals.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

  • G - AJ Green
  • G - Khris Middleton (Day to Day)
  • F - Taurean Prince
  • F - Giannis Antetokounmpo (Day to Day)
  • C - Brook Lopez
     
  • OUT - Damian Lillard 

Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup

  • G - Darius Garland
  • G - Donovan Mitchell
  • F - Georges Niang
  • F - Evan Mobley
  • C - Jarrett Allen
     
  • OUT - Max Strus, Isaac Okoro

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Cavaliers Predictions & Picks Today: Friday, 12/20

The Cavaliers should control this game and are the better team with Lillard out. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley could stress Antetokounmpo both offensively and defensively.

After exerting so much energy for the NBA Cup, the performance of the Bucks could drop in their first game after the championship.

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Cavaliers Prediction: Cleveland -8 (-108 on DraftKings)

The prediction throughout today’s column is that Cleveland should dominate the NBA Cup winners at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers have a 14-1 record at home this season and the Bucks have so many points to make up for with Lillard out. Not just the ones he scores but his assists throughout the game.

Giannis is great, displaying it against the first place team in the Western Conference. Asking him to do it to the Eastern Conference leader without Lillard. Take the spread at near even odds and look for the Cavaliers to remind everyone who the best team of 2024 is.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-