What To Expect In Third Cleveland Cavaliers-Milwaukee Bucks Matchup

Cleveland seeks its ninth straight win, and third consecutive victory to start its current four-game road trip, with a win against Milwaukee tonight.

Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers extended the NBA’s longest active winning streak to eight games with a 126-99 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Tonight, Cleveland will play the first of two consecutive games against the Milwaukee Bucks, which will conclude a four-game road trip.

Here are four things to expect in tonight’s matchup between the Cavaliers and Bucks.

1. One Cleveland Reserve Out, Another One In

Veteran big man Tristan Thompson was suspended for 25 games without pay yesterday for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

However, according to the NBA’s 7:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, swingman Caris LeVert will be available after missing Cleveland’s previous two contests due to a right wrist sprain.

2. An Allen Avalanche

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is on a tear right now. In Cleveland’s last game, he tied a franchise record by recording his 12th straight double-double. 

Additionally, two games against the Bucks this season, Allen is averaging 25.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game on a remarkable 75% shooting from the field.

3. A New Coach on the Bucks’ Bench

Yesterday, Milwaukee fired former head coach Adrian Griffin just 43 games into his first season at the helm.

Bucks assistant Joe Prunty will serve as the team’s interim head coach, but reportedly not for long. According to CNN Sports, Milwaukee is hiring 2008 NBA Champion Doc Rivers as its next head coach.

4. A Full-Strength Bucks Squad

According to the NBA’s 7:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available tonight after missing the last meeting between these two teams due to a right shoulder contusion.

The two-time NBA MVP currently ranks top-six in the NBA in both points (31.2, third) and rebounds (11.5, sixth) per game.