There’s been no stopping these Cleveland Cavaliers, who are playing in full postseason mode. Cleveland took a closely-contested game against divisional rival Chicago 99-94 on Sunday. Another win at Milwaukee should help the Cavs take one step closer to putting a stamp on the Central Division crown. Can the Cavs trample over the struggling Milwaukee Bucks? Read on as we break down this crucial Eastern clash.
The playoff race is still on in the Eastern Conference. Check out our complete preview of the Celtics vs. Pistons game with big postseason implications.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee
When: Wednesday, April 8, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs notched their 50th win of the season on the strength of LeBron James’ first triple-double since his return to Cleveland. The Cavs are now a league-best 31-7 since January 15.
[sc:NBA240banner ]J.R. Smith set an NBA record with 17 three-point field goals attempted with no two-point field goal attempts against Chicago. He scored 24 points and hit eight of the team’s 16 threes. He also added four rebounds, an assists, a block and a steal. Considering Milwaukee ranks 20th in opponent three-pointers made per game (8.3), Smith could be up for another big game from downtown.
Kyrie Irving could also light up the scoreboard from long range. He’s made 8-of-14 from three-point range across the Cavs’ last three games, all wins. Irving is just 2-for-15 from beyond the arc in three games against the Bucks this season, but he’s averaging 24.3 points over those games.
King James could strengthen his case for a fifth MVP award this season with another all-around performance against the Bucks. He has averaged 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, eight assists and three steals in the two games he played against Milwaukee this season.
The Cavs are 5-2 SU/ATS in their last seven games on the road.
Betting on the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered an embarrassing 97-90 loss at home against lottery-bound Orlando on Saturday night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo struggled from the field, making just 3-of-12 baskets for eight points. Point guard Michael Carter-Williams also had an off day, scoring eight on 4-of-14 shooting, but also managed to haul in 10 rebounds and dished out nine assists.
Don’t count out the two against the Cavaliers, though. MCW has averaged 18.5 points and nine assists in two home games against Cleveland this season (one in a Milwaukee uniform), while Antetokounmpo is averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in three regular season games against the Cavaliers.
The Bucks’ interior offense could help keep them in this game against Cleveland. They have outscored the Cavs by an average of four points in the paint in three matchups this season.
MCW should do well to exploit his distinct size advantage over Irving to score in the paint. He’s making 48.4 percent of his shots in the paint in home games this season compared to just 26 percent from mid- and three-point range combined. Antetokounmpo is making 58 percent of his shots in the paint in home games this season.
Power forward Ersan Ilyasova should also be able to lend a shooting hand. While he can do work inside, Ilyasova can also lend his touch from beyond the arc. He’s made 44 percent of his three-point attempts over the past three games.
Milwaukee is 3-1 ATS in its last four games against the Cavaliers.
Writer’s Prediction
A spirited effort from Milwaukee leads to a back door cover. Create a betting account now and cash in on the wild conclusion to the NBA regular season.
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