Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs will try to extend their unbeaten start to 7-0.
Five things you need to know before Cleveland takes its perfect 6-0 record into Milwaukee:
1. Can Cleveland remain undefeated?
Cleveland is the last undefeated team remaining in the Eastern Conference, with OKC being the only other undefeated team in the NBA. It’s no fluke either, with the Cavs winning four by 12 points or more. It’s also funny because they went winless in the preseason but are winning handily in this unbeaten start.
2. Milwaukee’s early-season struggles
The Bucks were expected to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but a 1-4 start has home fans fearing the deer. The only victory was a win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the season opener. The nature of the defeats is even more disheartening, with Milwaukee losing three of those four games by 23 points or more.
3. Cavaliers’ offense is soaring
Cleveland was expected to be a defensive team, but they rank second in points scored and offensive efficiency. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are one of the best backcourt duos in the league, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen dominate the paint.
4. Split series
These teams have switched off wins and losses in their last five matchups, splitting the last two season series against one another. The home team has also won six of those eight matchups.
5. Bucks role players
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.4 points per game, while Damian Lillard has a 23-point average, but no other player is averaging more than 12 points or two assists per game. Milwaukee needs guys like Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez to help as long as Khris Middleton (ankle) remains sidelined.
