Milwaukee Bucks (27-12) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-15)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/17/24 – Today’s free pro basketball picks showcase a thrilling matchup between Milwaukee Bucks, known for their impressive record, and Cleveland Cavaliers, known for their winning season. This game promises to showcase talent and strategy. Both sides will fight hard in what promises to be an entertaining battle that offers fans and bettors alike an exhilarating NBA spectacle.
The Bucks have proven themselves an impressive force this season, as reflected by their stellar win-loss record. Averaging 124.5 points per game and boasting an efficient field goal percentage of 50.1% with 44.9 field goals made each game, while their three point success rate stands at 38.1% from beyond the arc. Key to their success has been rebounding (averaging 44.5 per game), which helps regulate game pace. Unfortunately though, their record against the spread (8-9) suggests some inconsistency which may play into this matchup.
The Cavaliers have also maintained an impressive record, scoring an average of 113.2 points per game and boasting a 47.4% field goal percentage and 35.2% three-point shooting, though slightly lower than their opponents. One notable strength for them has been their defensive rebounding which averages 33.6 per game to limit opponents’ second chance points; plus their resilience as indicated by an 8-7 performance against the spread in road games; something which may prove essential against them in their next matchup with Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/17/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Giannis Antetokounmpo PF vs. Donovan Mitchell SG
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been nothing short of exceptional this season for the Bucks, averaging 31.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game while being an impactful force both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game). Yet his turnover rate (3.6) and foul count (2.9) could provide opportunities for opponents like Cleveland to capitalize.
Donovan Mitchell has been a star performer for the Cavaliers this season. Averaging 27.9 points per game while excelling offensively, his offensive skills will be key in penetrating Bucks defenses and aiding in offensive flow for his team. However, Mitchell may lose out due to lower rebounding and block rates relative to Antetokounmpo compared with him and may provide opportunities for Bucks advantage.
Antetokounmpo’s all-around dominance will face off against Mitchell’s scoring and playmaking prowess for supremacy on the court; their impact may determine which team wins this matchup, with each having the power to swing the outcome in their team’s favour.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Though betting odds for this match-up remain undetermined, examining their performance and standings can give bettors insight. While the Bucks may enter as favorites due to their better record and offensive stats, their resilience in spread games must not be overlooked.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends
The Bucks have experienced mixed results recently. While they have gone 3-2 over their last five games against the spread, they have only gone 1-4 against it over that same timeframe, providing bettors with cause for concern when leaning towards betting against them. Furthermore, their road performance against the spread (8-9) suggests vulnerability away from home while their ability to score high has seen totals go OVER in 14 of 22 home games suggesting their potential ability to cover high totals.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
Conversely, the Cavaliers display more consistency. Their recent 4-1 win-loss record and impressive 3-2 record against the spread in their last five games demonstrate this stability, with road game results against the spread (8-7) further underlining their competitive nature across various environments. Their totals going OVER in 10 of 21 home games suggests an equilibrium between offense and defense that makes them an attractive pick for bettors.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/17/24 Betting Picks
Stats and trends point towards this matchup being highly contentious. The Bucks may possess the high-scoring offense needed to overpower the Cavaliers; however, their inconsistency against the spread raises question marks over their chances of victory. Conversely, their steadyer performance might provide more security.
Picking a side can be challenging. The Bucks may tempt with their offensive firepower, while the Cavaliers demonstrate they can perform under pressure with consistency and performance under prop bets or sports handicapping perspectives. Given both teams’ offensive capabilities, this game could turn into a high-scoring affair.
Free Pick and Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks 118, Cleveland Cavaliers 113.