Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers – Preview & Prediction (Feb. 25, 2026)
The Milwaukee Bucks host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Both teams come in with momentum — Milwaukee has climbed back into the play-in conversation, while Cleveland has been rolling and recently made a major roster change.
Game preview
Milwaukee has looked more like a cohesive unit lately, winning seven of their last 10 and improving their standing in the Eastern Conference. In their most recent outing they beat Miami 127-118, with solid contributions across the roster: Bobby Portis and Ryan Rollins each scored in the 20s, Kyle Kuzma chipped in, and the starters all made an impact. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status is the big question — he’s listed as questionable and the team will decide on his availability just before tip-off. If he returns, Milwaukee’s ceiling rises significantly; even without him they’ve shown they can compete.
Cleveland began the season hot but hit a rough patch before stabilizing; they’re 37-22 and sit near the top of the conference. They beat the Knicks 109-94 less than 24 hours before this game, so fatigue and quick turnaround are factors to watch. The team traded Darius Garland for James Harden before the break, and that move has reshaped their dynamics: Harden’s playmaking takes some ball-handling load off Donovan Mitchell and has helped Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley operate more freely inside. The upgrade boosts Cleveland’s title hopes, though there’s still room for defensive improvements.
Injuries, matchup notes & prediction
Matchup history favors Cleveland — they’ve won the last nine meetings against Milwaukee. Injuries will be important: Taurean Prince is out for Milwaukee, Max Strus is out for Cleveland, and Giannis remains questionable until game time. Those absences will influence rotations and matchups on both ends.
Outlook: This should be a competitive game. Milwaukee’s recent chemistry and home crowd give them an edge, especially if Giannis suits up, but Cleveland’s depth and Harden’s addition make them dangerous on both ends. Expect a tight finish and a physical, half-court battle. Prediction: Milwaukee keeps it close and should be able to cover a moderate spread — projected result: Milwaukee +10.5 (expect a close game with Milwaukee staying within that range).
Quick reminder: injury statuses and lineups can change up to tip-off, so check the latest reports before the game if you’re tracking matchups or planning any wagers.
