Bucks vs Cavaliers Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

NBA TV will feature a Friday night clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Bucks (14-11) have won eight of their previous ten games and are 1.5 games back for third place in the Eastern Conference standings. In Tuesday’s NBA Emirates Cup Final, Milwaukee limited Oklahoma City to 31 points during the second half to claim a 97-81 victory. 

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied a game-high 26 points (10-19 FG) to go along with 19 rebounds and ten assists. All-Star G Damian Lillard added 23 points (5-10 3PT) and four assists for the Bucks, who connected on 17-for-40 from the three-point line. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 14 of their first 15 home games and hold a 1.5 game lead over Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers (23-4) lead the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging 121.5 points per game. On Monday, Cleveland raced out to a 20-point lead after one quarter and cruised to a 130-101 road victory against Brooklyn.

Evan Mobley led seven Cleveland players in double figures with 21 points (7-9 FG) and five rebounds. Caris LeVert scored 19 points in 19 minutes off the bench. All-Star G Donovan Mitchell added 18 points and five assists for the Cavaliers, who shot 53 percent from the field. 

Cleveland G Max Strus (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and could make his season debut in this game. The Bucks are fresh off an impressive win and likely spent an extra night celebrating in Vegas. Take the Cavaliers to win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Cleveland Cavaliers win 119-105.