What To Expect In First Milwaukee Bucks-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup

Cleveland looks for its sixth win in its last seven games as it hosts Milwaukee tonight.

In their last game two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned their largest comeback win of the season, defeating the Dallas Mavericks on the road 113-110.

Tonight, Cleveland will face their Central Division rival Milwaukee Bucks for the first time this season.

Here are four things to expect in tonight’s tilt between the Bucks and Cavaliers.

1. Both Teams Entering With Positive Momentum

Two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference will be squaring off tonight.

Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine games, while Cleveland has won five of its last six contests.

2. An Intriguing Interior Matchup

The matchup between Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen should be a good one.

For the Bucks, the two-time NBA MVP is making a case for a third so far this season, averaging 30.8 points (fourth in NBA), 10.9 rebounds (seventh in NBA), 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.

For the Cavaliers, the 2022 NBA All-Star just had his best game of the season, and is averaging 21.5 points, 20 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in his team’s last two contests.

Dec 21, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

3. A New-Look Bucks Bunch

Tonight marks the first meeting between these two teams since Milwaukee traded for seven-time NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.

The 33-year-old is having another strong season so far, averaging 25.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

4. Cleveland's Sharing Continuing To Be Caring

After having three games with at least 30 assists in its first 25 contests, Cleveland has had at least 32 assists in four of its last six games.

In their six games since the injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were announced, the Cavaliers’ 31.7 assists per game rank second in the NBA.