The daily preview takes it to the rim with NBA tips for a clash between Eastern Conference rivals Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA Tips – Cleveland Cavaliers @ Milwaukee Bucks
12:00 (AEDT), Tue 7th Dec @ Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
History: Played 221: Bucks 127 V Cavaliers 94
Last meeting: February 6, 2021: Bucks 124 d Cavaliers 99 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Final Thoughts: Cleveland Cavaliers continue to defy expectations – but how will they fare in their first clash with the defending champs this season?
The 13-11 Cavaliers are seventh in the East thanks to a recent four-game winning run, beating the Magic at home then picking up the scalps of the Mavericks, Heat and Wizards on the road. They were edged 109-108 by the Jazz yesterday.
A smoky for the NBA’s Most Improved award, 21-year-old guard Darius Garland has topped 30 points in the Cavs’ past two games. Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year favourite Evan Mobley and big man Jarrett Allen have been consistently strong for the youthful Cleveland outfit.
After a patchy first few weeks of their title defence, Milwaukee Bucks have improved to 15-9 with nine wins from their last 10 games. A two-week winning run came to an end via a 97-93 loss to the Raptors with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the casualty ward with a calf complaint. But they put away the Heat 124-102 two days ago without their megastar; Bobby Portis (19 pts, 16 reb), Khris Middleton (22 pts, 6 reb, 9 ast), Pat Cannaughton (23 pts, 7 3PM) and Jrue Holiday (16 pts, 7 ast) picked up the slack in an impressive team performance.
Antetokounmpo – who turns 27 today – is listed as questionable to make his return today. The Bucks are 10-0 when Antetokoumpo, Holiday and Middleton have lined up together.
The Cavaliers have won just one (in March 2019) of their last 10 against the Bucks, whose average winning margin in this rivalry over the past three seasons is 16.2 points.
The Bucks are 8-4 at home this season – winning their last seven at Fiserv Forum – but just 4-8 ATS. The Cavs are an outstanding 8-4 on the road and an NBA-leading 9-2-1 ATS.
Giannis’ availability is the key factor, but either way the plucky Cavaliers shape as a solid option with a handy start.
Best Bet: Handicap – Cavaliers +6.5 @ $1.90
Same Game Multi: Total – Under 211.5; Handicap – Cavaliers +6.5; 4th Quarter Match Betting – Cavaliers; Result – Bucks @ $20.64
OTHER NBA GAMES |
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| TEAMS | ||
| Oklahoma City Thunder @ Detroit Pistons | Margin – Pistons 1-10 @ $2.74 | |
| Washington Wizards @ Indiana Pacers | Handicap – Wizards +4.5 @ $2.05 | |
| Philadelphia 76ers @ Charlotte Hornets | Handicap – 76ers -6 @ $1.80 | |
| Memphis Grizzlies @ Miami Heat | Total – Over 212.5 @ $2.00 | |
| Denver Nuggets @ Chicago Bulls | Handicap – Nuggets +4.5 @ $1.93 | |
| Atlanta Hawks @ Minnesota Timberwolves | Result – Hawks @ $2.17 | |
| San Antonio Spurs @ Phoenix Suns | Handicap – Suns -7.5Â @ $1.90 | |
| LA Clippers @ Portland Trail Blazers | Result – Clippers @ $1.78 | |
| Orlando Magic @ Golden State Warriors | Handicap – Warriors -13.5 @ $1.90 | |