Cavs at Bucks preview and gamethread
Can Evan Mobley have a statement game against Giannis?
The Cavaliers are looking to extend their second-longest win streak of the season to 14 games.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (53-10) at Milwaukee Bucks (36-26)
Where: Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, WI
When: 8 pm EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Line: Cavs -7
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs injury report: Luke Travers - OUT (G League), Emoni Bates - OUT (G League), Nae’Qwan Tomlin - OUT (G League)
Expected Bucks starting lineup: Damian Lillard, Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Bucks injury report: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PROBABLE (calf), Kyle Kuzma - PROBABLE (ankle), Gary Trent Jr. - PROABLE (knee), Pat Connaughton - OUT (calf), Bobby Portis - OUT (suspension), Pete Nance - OUT (ankle)
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What to watch for
Mobley vs Giannis
While Evan Mobley is in the midst of a phenomenal season, it appears there are still certain matchups that have been able to minimize his impact. One of those teams is the Bucks and more specifically Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Mobley is averaging 18.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. In his three matchups against the Bucks this season, Mobley is averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4 assists per contest. This narrative is not new for Mobley. The Bucks have hindered his ability to thrive in the paint, something that, for his first few seasons, is where he gets the bulk of his points from.
This season should produce different results as Mobley’s offensive repertoire has significantly expanded. To draw Giannis out of the paint and force him to defend on the perimeter not only should benefit himself but the Cavaliers in general.
Mobley had a 38-point game against Milwaukee back in 2023 (in a game that Giannis didn’t play in), but that was the only time he registered over 20 points in a game against them. He hasn’t had the success that he’s had against other teams against Milwaukee.
In a defining season where Mobley has shown immense growth, one would hope that Mobley will have his fingerprints all over a game where he is matched with one of the more disruptive players in the league.