The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks will duke it out once more just two days after their last meeting. Will the Cavs get payback? Or, will the Bucks leave Cleveland with another victory?

Catch this game live on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9 AM, Manila time

Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (26-16/11-8 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• Donovan Mitchell
• Max Strus
• Isaac Okoro
• Dean Wade
• Jarrett Allen

The Cavs finally cooled off, as their eight-game undefeated streak ended last Thursday in a 126-116 loss to the Bucks. Even though they shot over 50 percent from the field, the Cavaliers failed to beat Milwaukee in its own game and also were not able to impose their defensive prowess on Giannis Antetokounmpo and company. Still, the Cavs’ defense is always a big threat and could catch the Bucks sleeping. Cleveland is No. 2 in the league with 110.1 points allowed per game and fourth with opponents posting just a 52.5 effective field goal percentage. 

Donovan Mitchell will eye to rebound after shooting just 10/24 from the field and 2/11 from deep in the loss to Milwaukee. When the Cavs obliterated the Bucks on Jan. 18, (135-95) at home, Mitchell dropped 34 points on 12/19 shooting.

 The Cavs also have one of the best conversion rates against the spread after a loss. They are 8-5-2 ATS (6.5%) in games following a defeat. Moreover, Cleveland is 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Bucks.

Home: Milwaukee Bucks (31-13/20-4 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• Damian Lillard
• Malik Beasley
• Khris Middleton
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Brook Lopez

Adrian Griffin is gone in Milwaukee, but everything still seems fine with the Bucks, as evidenced by their takedown of the Cavs. Antetokounmpo slapped Cleveland with a triple-double performance of 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists. 

The two-time league MVP showed the Cavs what they were missing when they beat Milwaukee last week, as Antetokounmpo was not around then due to a bruised shoulder. He will look to torture Cleveland again this Saturday, though, he’s hardly the only tormentor the Cavs will have to be scared of.

Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard are capable of having big moments and stretches. The two joined forces for 52 points in the last meeting with the Cavs and are averaging 23.9 and  16.6 points in January, respectively, with Middleton making 50 percent of his shots.

The Bucks are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games against Cleveland and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 Cavs games in Milwaukee.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Cavs (+5.5) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (237.5) hits the Over.