Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions, Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22) and the Milwaukee Bucks (24-31) will continue their Central Division rivalry on Wednesday night in this Cavaliers vs. Bucks prediction. These teams met twice already this season, with the Cavaliers winning both games at home. Each team will be on the tail end of a back to back, as Cleveland is hosting New York on Tuesday, while Milwaukee hosts Miami. Keep reading to see our Cavaliers vs. Bucks prediction, and make some money with our best NBA Picks.
Cleveland Snaps Seven Game Streak
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into their last game against the Thunder with seven straight wins, but left Oklahoma City with a loss to finally break the trend. Cleveland made the biggest deal at the trade deadline, acquiring James Harden while sending away Darius Garland, in hopes of it bringing postseason success. The Cavs are currently 4th in the East, just a game behind the Knicks in front of them. In the Thunder game, Cleveland was led by Harden with 20 points and nine assists in the loss.
Harden has now been with the Cavs for six games, and has been in the starting lineup every night for his new team. In those games, he is averaging 18.7 PPG, while dishing out 8.7 APG as his playmaking skills have not diminished. Donovan Mitchell is still the top scorer in Cleveland, he is scoring 28.6 PPG and averaging 5.9 APG while trying to make yet another All-NBA Team this season. Cleveland is relatively healthy, Max Strus is out with a foot injury, but he has not been in the lineup all season.
Evan Mobley is a versatile big averaging 17.7 PPG and 8.6 RPG, while Jarrett Allen still holds down the middle with 14.8 PPG and 8.5 RPG. Cleveland is currently 2nd in offensive efficiency and 13th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Cavaliers rank 11th in the league in possessions per game.
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Bucks are Without Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks did not trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, but the former Finals MVP is still not lacing up for his team as he is out with his calf injury. Milwaukee could be in line for a rebuild if they do deal away Giannis, but as for now they are trying to be competitive with the lineup they have. The Bucks are 11th in the East, and just 1.5-games behind the Hornets for the final playoff spot.
In their last game, the Bucks were led by Ryan Rollins with 21 points and nine rebounds in their loss to the Raptors. If you were to watch recent Milwaukee games, Rollins looks like the best player on the floor in a Bucks' uniform, and has grown to become a reliable point guard in the league. Rollins is averaging 17.1 PPG and 5.4 APG while taking over the point guard spot this season. Cam Thomas recently joined the team after being cut by the Nets, the scoring guard is getting 16.1 PPG in his five games with the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr. is another young developing guard, he is scoring 17.7 PPG from the wing.
On the inside, Bobby Portis is contributing 13.1 PPG off the bench, while Myles Turner is in the starting lineup and scoring 12.7 PPG. Milwaukee is ranked 22nd in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency. They play much slower than the Cavs, ranking 26th in the league in pace of play.
Key Injuries for Cavaliers vs. Bucks:
Cavaliers
- Out: Max Strus
Bucks
- Out: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Cavaliers vs. Bucks Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Cavaliers vs. Bucks
- Milwaukee to cover (5 units)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the better team, but Milwaukee is in a much better spot here, and with all the money piling in on the Cavs, the underdog is the pick. Milwaukee is adjusting to life without Giannis, as they know their star player will not go here. Rollins and Porter have become one of the most underrated guard tandems in the league, while Cam Thomas is still the type of player who can go off for 30 points in a moment's notice. Cleveland is playing a back to back, and have to travel in the middle of the night. Milwaukee has a back to back as well, but are at home for both games, take the points with the Bucks.
Take Milwaukee to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Cavaliers vs. Bucks
- Under (4 units)
These teams are both playing on the tail end of a back to back, and likely already have their postseason seeding laid out. Milwaukee is 11th in the East, but may be starting their secret tanking operation as they are preparing for life after Giannis. Each of these two teams will be going deeper into their rotation, and possibly resting some of their top players in this divisional matchup. Milwaukee plays slow, they rank only 26th in possessions per game, and do not want to get into a fast paced game with this high powered Cleveland offense. The Bucks are at home, and Cleveland is travelling on Tuesday night, take the under.
Take the under.
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