Oct 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center
Greg Monroe(15) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
AM: What’s your final prediction for how the game will play out?
JH: Milwaukee has lost their last two games, to the Nuggets and Celtics, respectively. Prior to that, their only wins this season came in a four-game mini-streak against the Nets, 76ers, Knicks and Nets. Those aren’t exactly powerhouse clubs.
Cleveland, on the other hand, has won eight of their first nine games (losing only the opener to the Bulls). While they too have had a fairly lackadaisical schedule to kick off the season, they did defeat a couple notable teams such as the Grizzlies, Heat and Jazz.
The Cavs have started off pretty hot, already a top 10 team in both offensive rating (third) and defensive rating (eighth), while the Bucks just make the cut offensively (10th), but have been a mess defensively (28th).
In other words, it’s going to be a struggle for Milwaukee to take this one. They’re coming into the game off two losses to mediocre squads, and their poor defense is going to have to combat one of the best offenses in the league. Someone is going to have to step up big for them, whether it be Giannis guarding James or Monroe doing his thing down on the block or what have you.
Things will improve for the Bucks, the season is still in its infantile stage. But the Cavs are ready to win now.
Final prediction: Cleveland takes it.