CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs (53-10) travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks (36-26) at the Fiserv Forum for the final time this season. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
With a 13-game win streak in tow, the Cavs have been an offensive juggernaut, averaging a blistering 126.1 points per game during the stretch. Only two teams in NBA history — the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1959-60 Boston Celtics — have put up such numbers over a single-season 13-game winning streak, and both went on to win the title. Cleveland is in elite company.
But lately, the wins haven’t come easy.
The Cavs have found themselves starting slow, playing down to the competition, and allowing teams to hang around deep into the fourth quarter. Yet, when it matters most, they have delivered.
Their 21-6 record in clutch games is the best in the NBA, proving they have the star power and poise to rise when the pressure is highest.
The X-factor? De’Andre Hunter. Since acquiring him at the trade deadline, the Cavs are 11-0, adding another layer of defensive versatility and scoring punch to their already potent lineup.
The Bucks are coming off a tough loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, but they are a team that can go toe-to-toe with any team. They’ve won eight of their last 10 games and, despite some early season turbulence, look primed for a deep playoff run.
If the season ended today, this could be a second-round matchup, and Sunday’s clash serves as a compelling preview of what could come in May.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these two teams this season. The first two contests ended in thrilling, game-winning shots by the Cavs, while the third — back in December — was a blowout for the Cavs.
Now, the stage is set for another chapter, with both squads featuring new pieces. Hunter will get his first taste of the Bucks in the wine and gold, while the Bucks counter with Kyle Kuzma, acquired at the deadline to bolster their championship aspirations.
This is a battle of heavyweights, with superstar talent on both sides and supporting casts designed to elevate them. Whether it’s Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentless downhill attack, or the chess match between coaching staffs, every possession will matter.
Most importantly, the Bucks will push the Cavs to their best. If the Cavs don’t clean up those slow starts and lapses in focus, they could find themselves in another tight battle down the stretch.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Series: Final matchup of the regular season.
Where: Fiserv Forum
When: 8:00 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-7.5; O/U 237.5
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury Report
CAVS:
Out:
Emoni Bates (two-way); Luke Traves (two-way); Nae’Qwan Tomlin (two-way).
BUCKS:
Not yet reported to the NBA.
