The Milwaukee Bucks (2-0) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EDT from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be broadcast live on FDSOH.
The Cavaliers are favored by -6.5 on the spread, with the over/under set at 234.5 total points. The Cavaliers are -270 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while the Bucks are +220 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bucks vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, October 26.
My Bucks vs Cavaliers Prediction
- Bucks vs Cavaliers pick: Bucks +6.5
My Bucks vs Cavaliers best bet is on the Bucks to cover the spread in Cleveland, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Bucks vs Cavaliers Odds
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -115 | 234.5 -115o / -110u | +220 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -105 | 234.5 -115o / -110u | -270 |
Bucks vs Cavaliers NBA Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers were not the bottom dwellers in the Eastern Conference last season, but both teams faced challenges, with the Bucks finishing 49-33 and the Cavaliers 48-34. Still, both are showing strong signs of improvement early in the 2025-26 season, competing fiercely against top-tier opponents.
The Bucks are off to a perfect 2-0 start, adding Kyle Kuzma at the trade deadline to bolster their roster. They secured a 133-120 victory over the Washington Wizards and a 122-116 win against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, showcasing their offensive firepower led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who posted 31 points and 20 rebounds in the latter game.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 1-1, having dropped their season opener to the New York Knicks but rebounding with a 131-124 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Their balanced attack, even without key players, has been impressive, with five players scoring in double figures against the Nets.
Injuries are a concern for both sides. For Cleveland, Darius Garland (left toe injury) and Max Strus (left foot fracture) are out, while De’Andre Hunter is questionable with a knee issue. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable with a sprained left great toe, but Kevin Porter Jr. is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and Kyle Kuzma is questionable with a similar injury.
Despite these setbacks, both teams are poised for a competitive matchup. The Bucks’ potent offense, averaging 127.5 points in their first two games, faces a Cavaliers defense that allowed 121.5 points per game so far.
Cleveland, favored by 6.5 points with a game total of 234.5, has dominated recent head-to-head matchups, sweeping the Bucks 4-0 last season. However, Milwaukee’s improved depth and Giannis’ dominance could keep this game tight, as our Bet Labs system suggests, recommending the Bucks to cover.
Bucks vs Cavaliers Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Early Road Trips system targets NBA teams in the initial games of a regular season or playoff campaign, embarking on a brief road trip. During this period, teams typically display high energy and unity, benefiting from fresh legs and peak conditioning, with rotations still well-defined.
Early in the season, travel fatigue is minimal, allowing teams to maintain sharp defensive focus and competitive drive to build momentum. Markets often overvalue home court advantage in these scenarios, expecting road teams to struggle, but disciplined squads frequently counter with intensity and structure.
This blend of early-season sharpness and underappreciated road dynamics creates prime opportunities for teams to cover spreads in the opening stretch of the schedule.
Pick: Bucks +6.5 (-110, bet365)
Cavaliers vs Bucks Betting Trends
