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The Cleveland Cavaliers kick-off their three game homestand as they host the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams have struggled to find consistency lately, which creates a sense of urgency given how close the seeding is in the East.
Who? Cleveland Cavaliers (40-29) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (37-32)
When? 7 p.m.
Where? Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Where on my eyeballs? Fox Sports Ohio
Cavs injuries: Kevin Love (Questionable! - wrist), Kyle Korver (Questionable - Foot), Rodney Hood (Out - Back), Cedi Osman (Out - Hip), Tristan Thompson (Out - Ankle), Larry Nance Jr. (Out - Hamstring)
Bucks injuries: None
The Cavs are 2-1 in the season series against the Bucks, and have an opportunity to improve their record within the division to 11-6. The Bucks are far enough back that it’s unlikely that a tiebreaker would come into effect in the seeding, but it still would be good to have that in hand heading into the playoffs.
Kevin Love’s status being updated to questionable is a very good sign for Cleveland. Even if he doesn’t play against the Bucks, having his return just around the corner is sure to lift the spirits of the team. Although the Cavs are still missing a staggering amount of key parts, from the players to the absence of Tyronn Lue.
One thing that is in the Cavs favor is that the Bucks are 24th in team passes per game. While there have been a multitude of struggles on the defensive end this season, teams that move the ball have been particularly successful against Cleveland. It’s on the second or third pass where the defensive lapses are especially glaring.
Now, the absence of so many players will make it tough for the Cavs to put together a solid defensive effort. But the lack of ball movement should make it easier to survive on that end.
Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction:
Does Love have a Willis Reed-lite moment tonight? Would me predicting that one way or another cause the opposite to happen? Given how frequently I am wrong, I’ll say that he won’t play tonight and the Cavs will lose 108-102.