The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a stellar start this NBA season, marking a 7-0 unbeaten streak. This impressive performance has fans and analysts alike pondering whether the Cavaliers might replicate or even surpass their best-ever start to a season, which came during the 1976-1977 campaign with eight consecutive wins.
In their most recent outing, the Cavaliers clinched a tight victory against the Milwaukee Bucks with a nail-biting 114-113 finish. Donovan Mitchell stood out once again, showcasing his skills with 30 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Mitchell, who is consistently performing at a high level, is averaging 24.4 points and 4.3 assists per game this season, with remarkable shooting splits of 50% overall, 40% from three-point range, and 79.2% from the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a contrasting predicament with a 1-5 record. The Bucks are struggling through a challenging period, experiencing a five-game losing streak. Last season's third-place finish in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record now seems a distant memory for a team grappling with finding their rhythm.
The spotlight is also on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who despite the team's struggles, is putting up an impressive stat line this season, averaging 31 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. In the recent clash against the Cavaliers, Giannis delivered a strong performance with 34 points and 16 rebounds, further cementing his status as a key player for the Bucks. However, his participation in the upcoming game remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable due to an adductor strain.
Looking toward the upcoming matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are favored by 7 points, with the over/under set at 230.5 total points. This encounter promises to be another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two franchises. Historically, the Bucks have the upper hand with a 132-102 lead in the all-time regular-season series. However, Cleveland has recently found success against Milwaukee, winning three of their last four encounters.
The Cavaliers will also be relying on the contributions of Darius Garland, who adds to their offensive prowess with averages of 17.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Garland's potential to make a significant impact is evident, especially considering his season-high 34 points against New York earlier this season.
On the opposing side, Damian Lillard offers the Bucks a potential game-changer. With averages of 26.2 points, 6.7 assists, and five rebounds per game, his presence could shift the balance if the Bucks aim to break their losing streak. Notably, Lillard registered a season-high 41 points, alongside nine assists and four rebounds, against the Cavaliers in a previous meeting.
For the Cavaliers, sustaining their momentum could establish them as formidable contenders early on in the season, while a victory for the Bucks would be pivotal in reversing their current fortunes. As fans gear up for this exciting matchup, the anticipation is palpable, with both teams poised to deliver a thrilling contest.