Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers December 21 Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (21-11) crushed the Utah Jazz their last time out, as Donovan Mitchell put on a show against his former team.

The Milwaukee Bucks (22-8) have recently slid into the first seed in the Eastern Conference after gutting out a tough road victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

Donovan Mitchell and his new team took down the team that drafted him in their last game, as Mitchell is seemingly bought into his new team.

“We did a lot of really good things collectively,” Mitchell said. "Obviously, we shot the ball really well, but defensively holding a team like this, that can shoot the ball really well and can score, under 100 points. We did a lot of things we can point to and say this is what we want to be.”’

The Cavs have looked amazing all season long, but particularly defensively, as they rank as one of the best teams in the league on that side of the floor. Defense wins championships, so if they can keep that up while improving their offense, this team will be deadly.

Mitchell finished with 23 points in the game. Jarrett Allen provided 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Darius Garland contributed 17 points and eight assists. Cedi Osman scored 22 points.

The Cavs will have their hands full in trying to protect the paint against Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Jarrett Allen is one of the best rim protectors in the league, which should help mitigate any potential damage.

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview

The Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the league, as they have surpassed the Boston Celtics in the standings for the best team in the Eastern Conference.

A lot of that has to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he is by far having one of his best seasons, if not his best season, in the NBA up unitl this point of his career.

Going into New Orleans to steal a win is not easy, but that’s what the Bucks were able to do in their last game.

Antetokounmpo poured in 42 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win. Brook Lopez contributed 30 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday added 18 points and 11 assists.

The Bucks are a team that will look to get out in transition with Antetokounmpo being as dangerous as any player when coming downhill. The Cavs will need to try and cut all lanes off to the rim as much as possible.

Odds

The Cavs are favored by a -1.5 spread, as they will be the home team in a pivotal battle.

The game will come down to how well the Cavs can limit Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impact inside the paint and if Donovan Mitchell can continue his hot scoring.

Expect the Cavs to protect home in this one and cover the spread, however.