Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Preview, Prediction and Picks for Sunday, October 26th, 2025
The NBA rolls out a nine-game slate on Sunday, and one of the more intriguing matchups comes in the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks (2-0) taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1). We’ve got you covered with our Bucks vs. Cavaliers prediction. Tip-off is set for 6:00 ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OH. Read on for free NBA picks on this game, and check out that link for other game breakdowns.
Bucks Handle Raptors, Move To 2-0
Coach Doc Rivers is back in charge of the Milwaukee Bucks this year, and he’s looking to build on a first-round exit in the playoffs last season. The Bucks did win the NBA in-season tournament. As for the new campaign, Milwaukee is off to a solid 2-0 start. They’ve taken care of a couple of bottom-feeders in the East, beating Washington (133-120) and Toronto (122-116), more recently. The Bucks are 2-0 ATS and 2-0 to the over.
Further elaborating on Friday’s 122-116 road win over the Raptors, it was Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with a big-time double-double. He dropped 31 points and secured 20 rebounds. As for the team-level metrics, Milwaukee was better in field goal rate (52.2% to 49.4%) and rebounding (51 to 41), while Toronto held edges in three-point shooting (40.7% to 35.0%) and turnovers (16 to 19). The Bucks (+2.5) covered the spread with the outright win.
- Through two games this season, the Bucks are averaging 127.5 points per game (sixth).
- They’re ranked fifth in field goal percentage (51.6%) and 13th in three-point shooting (38.1%).
- In terms of defense, Milwaukee is 18th in efficiency, allowing 112.8 points per 100 possessions.
- Guard Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) is out. F Kyle Kuzma (ankle) is questionable.
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Cavaliers Bounce Back, Beat Nets
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off that excellent 2024-25 campaign, where they posted an Eastern Conference-leading record of 64-18. However, due to some injuries and running into a red-hot Pacers team, the Cavaliers were ushered out in the conference semifinals. As for 2025, Coach Kenny Atkinson and his squad are 1-1. They dropped a 119-111 road affair against the Knicks in the opener, but bounced back last time out by beating the Nets in a 131-124 contest. The Cavs are 0-2 ATS and 2-0 to the over.
Cleveland was an 11.5-point road favorite against Brooklyn on Friday, and they didn’t cover after getting out-scored 38-23 in the fourth quarter. Statistically, the Cavaliers were better in field goal rate (53.7% to 51.0%), three-point shooting (42.9% to 42.2%), and turnovers (17 to 20), while the Nets held the edge in rebounding (38 to 35). As for individual efforts, Donovan Mitchell paved the way with 35 points, while Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill each logged 22 points.
- The Cavaliers are scoring 121.0 points per game this season, which is 11th in the Association.
- Cleveland enters Sunday’s action ranked ninth in field goal percentage (50.0%) and second in three-point shooting (42.0%).
- They’re 14th in defensive efficiency, conceding 111.4 points per 100 possessions.
- F De'Andre Hunter (knee) is out. G Darius Garland (toe) is out another week. G Max Strus (foot) is out until early December.
Bucks vs. Cavaliers Pick
Spread Pick for Bucks vs. Cavaliers
- Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5 (-110) (5 units)
The Cavaliers have risen to the top tier of the Eastern Conference, and really, I think it’s them and the Knicks that are in an echelon of their own in the East this season. Cleveland was absolutely dominant last year, going 69-22 SU with an average margin of victory of +9.7 points.
The Cavaliers have also owned this head-to-head series in recent history, going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with the Bucks. Milwaukee is still immune to playing defense, as they’ve conceded an average of 118.0 PPG to two bottom feeders in the Wizards (120) and Raptors (116) this year. Imagine what this high-octane Cavs squad is going to do to them at home on Sunday. I’ll lay the points with Cleveland.
Over/Under Pick for Bucks vs. Cavaliers
- Over 235.5 (-110) (5 units)
The Bucks have gone 2-0 to the over this season, and they’re averaging a combined 245.5 points per game! Offensively, Milwaukee is making 51.6% of its field goal attempts (5th) and 38.1% of its three-pointers (13th). I don’t expect them to go nuclear against a solid Cavs defense, but I do think the Bucks will do enough to help get this game over the number.
On the flip side, the Cavaliers should have no problem hitting the upper 120s in this game. As I mentioned above, the Bucks are conceding 118.0 PPG this season. Cleveland is coming off a season where it ranked first in offensive efficiency, scoring 119.1 points per 100 possessions. They were eighth in pace (102.4 possessions per game) last season, while Milwaukee was 17th (101.4). Both teams enjoy pushing the pace, which should lead to plenty of scoring chances. Give me the over.
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