Can Doc Rivers Fix Milwaukee? Rematch On Tap Against Cavs

On the heels of Wednesday’s 126-116 victory, the Milwaukee Bucks will look to make it two straight against the Cleveland Cavaliers when they meet again on Friday. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. at Fiserv Forum.

The Bucks opened as 7-point favorites. The projected total was initially 239.5 but has since dropped to 238.5.

What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and analyze the Cavaliers vs Bucks spread.

Cavaliers vs Bucks Betting Trends

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 22-18-2 ATS, including 10-8-1 away from home. Cleveland is 20-21-1 against the Over/Under but has gone Over the total in 10 of its 19 road NBA games. The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, are 17-27 ATS, including just 9-15 at home. The Bucks have gone Over the total in 27 of their 44 games.

Be sure to remember these trends when assessing the Cavaliers vs Bucks spread.

Defense Does it for Cleveland

The Cavaliers had their eight-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s 126-116 loss to Milwaukee. A 6.5-point underdog, Cleveland also failed to cover for the first time in six games.

Still, the Cavaliers have supplanted themselves among the favorites in the Eastern Conference with a record of 26-16. They have the sixth-best odds in the East at +2500 and are +6000 to win the NBA title, one of 16 NBA teams priced 60/1 or better.

Defense remains Cleveland’s calling card. The Cavaliers are holding opponents to 110.1 points per game, second-fewest in the NBA behind Minnesota (107.8). They’re also fourth in opponent’s field-goal rate (45.7%) and tied for sixth in rebounding rate (45.0).

Donovan Mitchell is Cleveland’s top scorer, averaging 27.6 points to go with 6.2 assists. In three games against Milwaukee this NBA season, Mitchell is averaging 29.3 points on 54.5% shooting.

The Cavaliers are 10-8-1 ATS on the road, including 4-2 in their last six games. Bettors should keep that in mind when analyzing the Cavaliers vs Bucks spread.

Wheels Turning in Milwaukee

The Bucks fired coach Adrian Griffin on Tuesday after just 43 games despite having the second-best record in the Eastern Conference NBA standings. They wasted no time replacing him, hiring Doc Rivers one day later.

Despite their impressive 31-13 record, the Bucks have struggled to consistently produce, especially on defense. They’ve dropped to 25th in opponent’s scoring (120.4) after ranking in the top five last season and recently allowed 135 and 113 points in back-to-back games against the lowly Pistons.

Realizing their potential, oddsmakers remain bullish of Milwaukee. The Bucks are +220 to win the East and have the third-shortest title odds at +475, behind only Boston (+300) and defending NBA champion Denver (+425).

Led by two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are tied for the league lead in scoring (124.6) and rank third in field-goal percentage (49.9).

It’s hardly a surprise, then, that the Bucks are 27-17 against the Over/Under. They’ve gone Over the total at a rate of 61.4%, second-highest in the NBA. At the same time, the Bucks have been a liability when betting ATS (17-27).

Antetokounmpo ranks third in the NBA in scoring (31.3) and fifth in rebounding (11.7). He’s currently +900 to win MVP, one of five NBA players with better than 10/1 odds. Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee’s big offseason acquisition, have accounted for 45.4% of the team’s scoring.

Handicapping the Game

Milwaukee is 2-1 against Cleveland this season. Antetokounmpo had a triple-double in Wednesday’s win, collecting 35 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists. It was his third triple-double in the last four games and the seventh this season. He’s averaging 34.5 points against Cleveland this season.

NBA Injuries continue to plague the Cavaliers, who remain without Evan Mobley (knee) and Darius Garland (jaw) indefinitely. Be sure to monitor the injury report, as it could affect the NBA line movement.

Mitchell has helped keep them afloat while shorthanded, but they certainly could use more scoring punch. Offense is no problem for the Bucks, who have topped 120 points in six of their last seven games. They’ve gone Over the total four times during that span.

Milwaukee is 20-4 at home but has gone just 9-15 ATS.

For NBA picks, betting odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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