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Cavaliers vs. Bucks: game preview, start time, TV information

The Cavs head to Milwaukee for the first of two games against their division rival.

By Chris Manning
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight week, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the same opponent two nights in a row. This time around, it’s the upstart Milwaukee Bucks. Lead by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are currently fifth in the East and winners of six of their last 10 games.

The Bucks also beat the Cavs earlier this season 118-101 in Milwaukee in one of the weirdest Cavs games this season. Will the return trip bring anything different?

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Bradley Center - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

TV: Fox Sports Ohio, NBA League Pass

Enemy Blog: Brew Hoop

Music: Kid Cudi ft. Willow Smith - Rose Golden

Keys to the game

  • The Cavs won’t have Kevin Love for Tuesday due to a injured knee, which is fine. Richard Jefferson will start in his place, which is also fine. The issue becomes that the Cavs also recently lost Chris ‘Birdman’ to a year to a torn ACL and, without Love, only have two bigs healthy and on the roster. Basically, expect a lot of small ball Tuesday and a lot of minutes for Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye. Even in a blowout, the Cavs don’t have any other options.
  • As of right now, it doesn’t look as if any other Cavs will rest Tuesday. But let’s say tonight is close or players have to log heavy minutes, don’t be shocked if it sets up some rest for LeBron, Kyrie and others Wednesday.
  • When these two teams played last, Giannis basically did whatever he wanted and the Cavs looked really bad and really flat. Did it matter? Not really. But having that happen again wouldn’t be ideal with the Warriors game days away.
  • Also, J.R. Smith returns to the place he dapped with Jason Terry with the game going on and then debuting an alter ego afterwards. So, ya, the last time these teams played was really, really odd.

Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction

Even without Love, the Cavs should have a of advantages in this game. It may take more minutes for LeBron and Kyrie than ideal, but a win is still pretty likely here. Expect a close game, but I’ll take the Cavs 101, Bucks 96.

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