Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (FDSOH), FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSWI), WMLW
A Central Division rivalry clash sees the surging Cleveland Cavaliers visit a struggling Milwaukee Bucks team at Fiserv Forum. Cleveland, holding strong in the Eastern Conference playoff picture (around 4th place), brings momentum after a dominant home win over the Knicks (109-94 on Feb. 24). The Bucks, mired in the lower half of the East (11th place), seek to build on recent home success but face a tough test without key pieces.
Recent Form (Last 10 Games / Last 5 Highlighted)
Cavaliers: Excellent 8-2 or better stretch recently, including a convincing 109-94 home win over New York (Feb. 24), a road loss at OKC (113-121 on Feb. 22), wins at Charlotte (118-113 on Feb. 20), over Brooklyn (112-84 on Feb. 19), and Washington (138-113 earlier). Cleveland averages high efficiency, strong rebounding (~44-45 RPG), and has been dominant at home but solid on the road in wins. They’re hot ATS in favorable spots.
Bucks: Improved lately with wins in 4 of their last 5 or 7 of last 9 in some samples, including a 128-117 home victory over Miami (recent). However, overall season struggles persist with poor rebounding (~41 RPG) and allowing too many points. Milwaukee shows fight at home but inconsistent SU/ATS.
Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Max Strus (SG/SF) – Out (foot fracture/Jones fracture surgery; no timetable, week-to-week, not cleared for contact since December).
- Core stars (Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, etc.) available and healthy.
Milwaukee Bucks:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) – Out / Day-to-Day (right calf strain; listed out for recent games, no firm return timetable).
- Taurean Prince (SF) – Out (neck strain/surgery for herniated disc; extended absence).
- Others minimal; heavy reliance on Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Cam Thomas, and remaining depth.
Milwaukee severely undermanned without Giannis, their MVP-level engine.
Key Player Matchups
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers, ~29 PPG, 5.9 APG) vs. Bucks perimeter defense (limited without Giannis help): Mitchell thrives in pick-and-roll and isolation; expect 28+ points with space.
- James Harden (Cavaliers, ~19 PPG, 8.7 APG) vs. Milwaukee guards/wings: Harden’s playmaking and shooting could exploit Bucks’ depleted backcourt.
- Jarrett Allen / Evan Mobley (Cavaliers frontcourt) vs. Bucks bigs (thin without Giannis): Cleveland’s twin towers dominate rebounding, rim protection, and paint scoring—major edge here.
- Kevin Porter Jr. / Ryan Rollins (Bucks guards) vs. Cavaliers perimeter (Mitchell/Harden): Bucks need secondary scoring; Cavaliers’ length and switches limit them.
- Bench/Depth: Cleveland’s rotation healthier and deeper; Bucks rely on hustle from role players.
Series History
Cleveland has dominated recent meetings, winning the last three this season (including 118-106 on Nov. 17, 2025, and 118-113 on Oct. 26, 2025). Cavs are perfect in the season series so far (3-0 mentioned in previews). All-time close, but Cleveland covers frequently as favorites in this matchup.
Betting Trends
- Cavaliers strong as road favorites; excellent cover rate recently.
- Bucks 4-1 ATS/SU in recent stretches but poor vs. top teams without Giannis.
- Cleveland won and covered in most recent H2H; totals vary but Cavs games trend higher-scoring.
- Bucks as home underdogs have occasional value but struggle vs. healthy contenders.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 8.5
Milwaukee Bucks 227.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
