Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.25.26

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.25.26

As the Eastern Conference playoff race intensifies, the Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22) travel to the Fiserv Forum to face a shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks (25-31) squad on February 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM. While Cleveland looks to solidify a top-four seed, Milwaukee is struggling to maintain consistency amidst significant injury concerns.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Key Stats & Trends

The Cavaliers have evolved into an offensive juggernaut. Their success is driven by Donovan Mitchell, who is performing at an MVP level with 28.5 PPG and 5.8 APG. Cleveland’s ability to space the floor while maintaining elite interior defense via Evan Mobley (8.6 RPG) and Jarrett Allen makes them a nightmare matchup. The Cavs currently boast a top-five net rating, utilizing a balanced attack that combines Mitchell’s perimeter scoring with efficient ball movement.

• Points: Donovan Mitchell (28.5)
• Rebounds: Evan Mobley (8.6)
• Assists: Donovan Mitchell (5.8)
• Rating: Donovan Mitchell (28.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Cleveland Cavaliers

• Max Strus (Out): Strus (foot) still hasn’t been cleared for contact, Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Milwaukee Bucks Key Stats & Trends

The Bucks are navigating a turbulent season. With their primary engine sidelined, the scoring load has fallen onto Ryan Rollins (17.2 PPG) and the playmaking of Kevin Porter Jr. (7.6 APG). While Rollins has shown flashes of brilliance, Milwaukee’s defense has regressed significantly without their defensive anchor. Bobby Portis remains a double-double threat with 6.6 RPG, but the team lacks the transition defense necessary to stop elite backcourts.

• Points: Ryan Rollins (17.2)
• Rebounds: Bobby Portis (6.6)
• Assists: Ryan Rollins (5.4)
• Rating: Kevin Porter Jr. (18.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.6 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG)

Injury Report Milwaukee Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Out): Antetokounmpo (calf) is out for Tuesday’s game against Miami.
• Taurean Prince (Out): The Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince earlier this month, indicating that they anticipate that he’s “substantially more likely than not” to be unable to play through June 15, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Best Bet

The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo creates a massive void in Milwaukee’s interior defense that Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are perfectly equipped to exploit. Cleveland enters this matchup with superior depth and momentum. While Rollins and Porter Jr. will keep the game competitive early, the Cavs’ defensive discipline will eventually pull them away.

We are backing Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 (Spread) as the primary play. Additionally, given Milwaukee’s defensive struggles and Cleveland’s high-octane offense, the total is likely to trend over 227.5. Expect a high-scoring affair where Cleveland’s star power overwhelms the depleted Bucks.