Game Information:
- Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
- TV: Peacock, NBA League Pass
Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Cavaliers -6.5
- Total (Over/Under): 235.5
Preview: Depleted Bucks Face Tough Road Test in Cleveland
A marquee Eastern Conference matchup on Peacock’s NBA Monday sees Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks travel to Cleveland to take on Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers. However, this contest will be defined as much by who isn’t on the court as who is. The visiting Bucks are severely shorthanded, while the Cavaliers are dealing with injury concerns of their own, making this a crucial early-season test of depth for both playoff hopefuls.
The Cavaliers enter as 6.5-point home favorites, a line that reflects the significant personnel issues plaguing Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks Outlook
The Bucks’ season was turned upside down in last season’s playoffs, and the repercussions are still being felt. Superstar guard Damian Lillard is out long-term after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in April, robbing Milwaukee of its dynamic one-two punch. Without Lillard’s perimeter creation and scoring, the offense runs squarely through Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the two-time MVP is more than capable of carrying a massive load, he’ll face a Cleveland defense specifically designed to contain dominant interior forces.
Milwaukee’s depth is also being tested. The team will be without key rotation players Kevin Porter Jr. (knee surgery) and Taurean Prince (neck), further limiting their options on a tough road trip. For the Bucks to have a chance, they will need a heroic performance from Antetokounmpo and significant contributions from the supporting cast.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
The Cavaliers are looking to defend their home court and capitalize on a wounded opponent. Donovan Mitchell has been playing well, recently logging a steal in seven consecutive games and shouldering the primary scoring duties. However, the Cavs’ backcourt is not without its own concerns. Star point guard Darius Garland has been dealing with a nagging toe injury since last season and was recently listed on the injury report for “left great toe injury management.” His status is a major factor to watch heading into tip-off.
Cleveland will also be without wing Max Strus, who is reportedly in the middle of a “lengthy recovery” from a foot injury, impacting the team’s floor spacing. The key to the game for the Cavs lies in their vaunted frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Their defensive prowess and size will be thrown directly at Giannis Antetokounmpo in an attempt to slow him down and force the Bucks’ other players to beat them.
Injury Report
- Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard (Achilles) – OUT, Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) – OUT, Taurean Prince (neck) – OUT.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (toe) – Questionable, Max Strus (foot) – OUT.
Prediction
This game hinges on the massive absence of Damian Lillard. Without his backcourt partner, Giannis Antetokounmpo will face a relentless Cleveland defense that can throw the elite defensive pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen at him all night. The Bucks simply lack the offensive firepower to keep pace.
Even with Darius Garland’s status uncertain for Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell has proven he can carry the offense. At home and facing a depleted opponent, the Cavaliers are in a prime position to control the game. The 6.5-point spread is considerable, but the talent disparity caused by Milwaukee’s injuries is even more significant.
Furthermore, with Lillard out, Strus out, and Garland potentially limited, a high-scoring affair seems unlikely. Both offenses are missing key pieces, and Cleveland’s defensive identity should be on full display. The 235.5 total feels too high given the circumstances.
Prediction: Cavaliers -6.5
Total: Under 235.5
Sources:
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Status – ESPN
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2 Other Bucks Land on Injury Report …
Bucks injury report lol : r/DetroitPistons
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Status – ESPN (UK)
Giannis Antetokounmpo not on Bucks’ injury report after COVID …
Detroit Pistons game today vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Injury report, lineups
Milwaukee Bucks injury report tracker for the 2024-25 NBA season
Detroit Pistons game vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Injury report, lineups
Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) / Posts / X