The Class of the East

Following a disappointing postseason in which they failed to defend their 2021 NBA championship, the Bucks have entered this year with a renewed hunger. Despite the continued absence of Khris Middleton, whose injury in last year's playoffs potentially cost Milwaukee a title, Giannis and co have had no trouble getting off to a roaring start 🦌

• The Bucks boast the second-best record in the NBA, and have found success behind the strength of their league-leading defense

• However, after a 9-0 start, the Bucks have dropped three of their last four (mainly due to injuries), including two losses to Atlanta in a week

• Despite these struggles, Giannis has continued to show his all-world talent...I mean he's averaging 31 PPG/12 RPG/5 APG 😳

The Bucks will face a stacked field for this year's Eastern Conference crown, few of whom have shown more potential than the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers. The offseason acquisition of star guard Donovan Mitchell has elevated them into legitimate contention - Mitchell and All-Star PG Darius Garland have already established themselves as one of the league's premiere backcourts 🔥

Take a look at how the lines are shaping up for tonight's top NBA matchup 👇

Cavs vs. Bucks Betting Preview (odds subject to change)

• Spread: Bucks -4

• Moneyline: Bucks -178 (bet $178, win $100), Cavs +150 (bet $100, win $150)

• Over/Under: 219.5

Two Talented Squads

Much like the Bucks, the Cavs started this season in dominant fashion, but have faltered as of late. Riding an eight-game win streak, Cleveland's recent West Coast road trip resulted in four straight losses. While their performances have clearly been up-and-down, Cleveland's young core has demonstrated their sky-high potential 💪

• Adding Mitchell to the existing star trio of Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen — all 24 years old or under — gives Cleveland an embarrassment of riches

• The Cavs now possess two elite offensive creators in Mitchell and Garland, and two dominant defensive anchors in Mobley and Allen. Plus, they boast solid secondary options in Caris LeVert, Kevin Love, Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro. The results have been awesome to watch 🎥

The Cavs definitely need a win to stop the bleeding, but unfortunately their opponent is equally desperate to get back on track. Milwaukee has really struggled this week with injuries, as the loss of another All-Star in Jrue Holiday (he's missed three straight games with an ankle injury) has proven too much to overcome as of late. With Holiday's status still up in the air, Milwaukee will rely on Giannis more than ever 👀

• The Bucks could currently field a very competitive team of injured players in Holiday, Middleton, Pat Connaughton and Joe Ingles

• However, backup PG Jevon Carter has provided a serious spark in Holiday's absence, going off for 36 points in a double-OT win vs. OKC last week and dropping some bars afterward 😎

Ultimately, the towering defensive combination of Giannis and Brook Lopez gives Milwaukee a chance to win whenever they take the court, and tonight's game should be a great front-court battle. You know this, but I still have to say it... Giannis is an all-time great at the peak of his powers, an athletic freak whose sheer physical dominance often seems unfair. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show 🍿

For My Parlay Gurus

Call me crazy, but I like Giannis to assert himself as the clear-cut best player in this game. However, I think the Bucks' injury woes continue to catch up to them, leaving Milwaukee vulnerable to a hungry Cleveland squad. Despite the best efforts of the Greek Freak, I'm picking Cleveland to steal one on the road 👀

• Cavs +4 @ Bucks: -110

• Giannis to score OVER 31.5 points: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $264 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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