Dave Carney 1/26/2022
What’s on the table today?: Bucks @ Cavs (Betting Preview)
OPEN:O/U: 218CLE +4.5
LIVE:O/U: 218.5CLE +4
While Giannis’s availability for Wednesday’s game is in question, the Bucks definitely will be without Wesley Matthews and Grayson Allen. Wes sustained a left knee contusion in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, while Allen received a one-game suspension by the NBA for his flagrant 2 foul against Alex Caruso of the Bulls in the Bucks win on Friday.
The Bucks posted a 112-104 win over Cleveland on Dec. 6 before fielding a short-handed lineup in a 119-90 setback to the Cavaliers 12 days later. Milwaukee played the latter contest without Antetokounmpo, Matthews, Donte DiVincenzo and Bobby Portis due to the NBA’s health and safety protocol, as well as Middleton to a hyperextended left knee. Also, Jrue Holiday and Allen were rested.
Cleveland recorded its second straight win and seventh in eight outings with a 95-93 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. The surge has sent the Cavaliers to 10 games over .500 for the first time since the 2017-18 season, and over their LAST 10 GAMES the Cavaliers are 8-2, averaging 104.4 points, 44.9 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 101.1 points per game.
Looking at the recent betting trends for both teams as well, we see the UNDER play for both squads screaming at us to take the UNDER in tonight’s game with the total sitting at (218). All you have to do is look at THESE to get a taste of what I’m talking about:
- Under is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Under is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game
- Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 games following a straight up win.
- Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 home games.
- Under is 6-1 in Cavaliers last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
If Giannis does in fact play tonight, which is still questionable, you could make a case for this game going OVER. However, I know this sounds crazy to some that aren’t paying attention to the NBA on a nightly basis, believe in the Cavs this year. I like their coaching staff, I like their mix of young and veteran players, and I think they’ll be a tough out for every team this season, including the Bucks.
My Prediction: Take the UNDER (218)