Cleveland-cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions October 26th 2025

Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Preview: Cavaliers Not Yet Clicking as They Prepare for Unbeaten Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks aim to continue their perfect start when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Milwaukee has opened the season 2-0, while Cleveland sits at 1-1 after surviving a late scare against Brooklyn.

This matchup features some of the NBA’s premier talent — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley — making it one of the early marquee games on the Eastern Conference slate.

Stay up to date on line movement, totals, and prop updates at the NBA odds and scores page.

Line Movement and Betting Odds

The Cavaliers opened as -6.5 home favorites, with Milwaukee at +6.5. The total is set at 235.5, and early action leans toward the over due to both teams ranking among the top ten in offensive efficiency. The Bucks are +211 on the moneyline, while the Cavaliers sit at -255.

For live projections, line movement, and expert betting models, visit the NBA picks section.

Matchup Breakdown

Milwaukee has come out strong to open the season, defeating Washington and Toronto behind a dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is averaging 31 points, 20 rebounds, and seven assists — becoming the first player in league history to average 30/15/5 over the first two games of a season. Cole Anthony has also made an immediate impact off the bench, averaging 16 points and six assists in just under 20 minutes per game.

The Bucks’ offense currently ranks fifth in points per game (127.5) and fourth in field goal percentage (51.6%). Their efficient scoring and bench depth have compensated for the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle). With Doc Rivers emphasizing ball movement and interior dominance, Milwaukee has looked fluid in transition and half-court sets.

Cleveland, meanwhile, has yet to find rhythm. After an opening blowout loss to New York, the Cavaliers nearly squandered a 25-point lead in Brooklyn before closing out a 131-124 win. Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points but voiced frustration postgame about the team’s inability to sustain energy — a recurring theme from last postseason.

The Cavaliers are missing key rotation players: Darius Garland (toe), De’Andre Hunter (knee), and Max Strus (foot) are all sidelined. Evan Mobley has started strong, averaging 17.5 points and 8 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen remains a steady interior presence. Still, coach Kenny Atkinson has admitted that “we’re not hitting on all cylinders yet.”

See how both teams stack up in early standings via the NBA Eastern Conference odds and predictions.

Key Storylines

Giannis’ Historic Start
Antetokounmpo’s 30/15/5 pace through two games has the Bucks’ offense firing on all fronts. His chemistry with new addition Cole Anthony has given Milwaukee another dimension, creating more drive-and-kick opportunities and spacing for shooters.

Mitchell’s Leadership Challenge
Mitchell’s 35-point performance against Brooklyn came with visible frustration. With multiple starters out, his ability to lead a short-handed Cavaliers squad against the league’s hottest team will define Cleveland’s early trajectory.

Mobley vs Giannis: Defensive Duel
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley faces his biggest early-season test against Antetokounmpo. Expect Mobley to be tasked with limiting Giannis’ interior dominance while contributing offensively in pick-and-roll sets with Allen.

Explore more player futures and awards analysis in the NBA MVP odds and predictions and NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds.

Injury Report

Milwaukee Bucks

• Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) – out
• Kyle Kuzma (rest) – questionable

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Darius Garland (toe surgery) – out
• De’Andre Hunter (knee) – out
• Max Strus (foot surgery) – out

Track division matchups and roster health across the NBA Central Division odds and predictions.

Prediction

Cleveland remains talented but incomplete with key players out, while Milwaukee’s offense looks elite behind Giannis’ dominant form. Expect a competitive game early, but the Bucks’ interior power and bench scoring should carry them down the stretch.

Projected Score: Milwaukee Bucks 125, Cleveland Cavaliers 123
Best Bet: Bucks +6.5
Secondary Lean: Over 235.5

For pace metrics, offensive rating comparisons, and updated betting models, consult the NBA Expert Betting Guide.

ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks

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