Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson | Staff Writer

The Milwaukee Bucks (23-8) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (18-13) Friday with tip-off from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Bucks vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 last season

The Bucks got back in the win column Wednesday with a 144-122 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The Bucks are 10-2 this month. F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as questionable, but he's likely more probable. He had 32 points, 10 boards and 8 assists Wednesday.

The Cavs went to Dallas and beat the Mavericks 113-110 Wednesday without G Donovan Mitchell. C Jarrett Allen had a whopping 24 points, 23 boards and 6 assists. Cleveland has won 5 of 6 despite some key players being in and out of the lineup. The Cavs are 6th in the East.

Bucks at Cavaliers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:38 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bucks -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Cavaliers +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -5.5 (-120) | Cavaliers +5.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 239.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Cavaliers key injuries

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) probable
F Jae Crowder (groin) out

Cavaliers

G Darius Garland (jaw) out
G Ty Jerome (ankle) out
G Sam Merrill (wrist) questionable
G Donovan Mitchell (illness) questionable
C Evan Mobley (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Bucks at Cavaliers picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 114, Cavaliers 110

Moneyline

The Bucks are at the end of a 4-game road trip and are heavy favorites. There is no chance of taking their expensive ML.

The Cavs are hot, but they're missing a lot of parts with Garland and Mobley out. Mitchell had 31+ in just 1 of 3 meetings with the Bucks last year. He also hasn't played in 11 days, so if he's able to go, what can you really expect from him conditioning-wise? Because of that, I like DONOVAN MITCHELL UNDER 30.5 POINTS (-120).

Against the spread

I like the Cavs' side here because, as mentioned, the Bucks are finishing up a road trip after the holidays. This could be a one-off game for them, and G Damian Lillard had just 12 points in the last game.

Cleveland won and covered both home meetings last year.

Take the CAVALIERS +5.5 (+100).

Over/Under

This game has an Under feel to it at this total. None of the meetings had a total over 218.5 last year, but none of the games went over 220 points. The Over is just 4-5-1 in the last 10 matchups. This is by far the highest total for the Cavs in their last 10, and Milwaukee could absolutely put up 130. However, remember, last game of a road trip after the holidays.

LEAN UNDER 239.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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