The two most athletic freaks of nature in the NBA right now? Could easily make an argument for Cleveland’s LeBron James and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo – otherwise known as the “Greek Freak.” Those two superstars renew their individual rivalry Tuesday night. Although the latest NBA lines aren’t out yet for this matchup, you can check out our favorite NBA pick for you to consider on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo continues to be second in the NBA in scoring this season with 29.9 points per game, while he is also tied for 10th in rebounds per game (10.5), 12th in field goal percentage (.548), 12th in steals per game (1.77), ninth in blocks per game (1.58) and first in minutes per game (37.8). Antetokounmpo is on pace to join David Robinson (1993-94) as only players in NBA history to average at least 29.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game for a season.
Together, Antetokounmpo (29.9), Bledsoe (17.1) and Middleton (20.2) are averaging 67.2 points per game, which makes them the highest scoring trio in the Eastern Conference, and the fourth-highest overall. Middleton is averaging career highs in points (20.2), rebounds (5.3) and assists (4.6) per game while shooting a career-high 46.7 percent from the field. Middleton is also one of only six players in the NBA this season to have multiple 40-point game games
In seven of their last eight games the Bucks have committed 11 or fewer turnovers. Milwaukee is first in the NBA in turnovers per game this season, averaging just 13.3 each game.
Cleveavand at Milwaukee NBA Pick & Expert Analysis
When: Tuesday, 8 PM ET Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee TV: NBA TV Stream: NBA League Pass Radio: WTAM 1100 (Cleveland) / WTMJ 620 (Milwaukee) NBA Odds: TBASeason Series
The Cavs lead 2-0. They won 116-97 in Milwaukee on Oct. 20. James had 24 points and eight assists, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver hit three straight 3s during a decisive third-quarter run. Kevin Love added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs. Six Cavs scored in double figures. Their 15-5 spurt over the final 4:25 of the third quarter opened a 13-point lead. Antetokounmpo had 34 points on 15-of-22 shooting, along with eight rebounds and eight assists. Malcolm Brogdon was the only other Buck in double digits with 16 points. On Nov. 7 in Cleveland, the Cavs won 124-119. Love had 32 points without attempting a 3-pointer, and LeBron added 30. Love added 16 rebounds. The Freak had 40 points and nine rebounds. Brogdon had 22 points and Khris Middleton finished with 20. Milwaukee was called for 31 personals compared to 18 for Cleveland, and the Cavs attempted 38 free throws. Bucks coach Jason Kidd wasn’t thrilled about that.Why Bet on Cleveland as your NBA Pick?
Since starting 5-7, the Cavs have been playing about as well as any team in the NBA outside of perhaps Houston. Since Nov. 11, the Cavs have the best record in the NBA. From Nov. 11 to Dec. 6, the Cavs won 13 consecutive games, which was tied for the longest win streak in franchise history. LeBron is putting up triple-doubles seemingly every other game and now has 60 all-time, breaking a tie with former Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. Next up in LeBron’s sights is Wilt Chamberlain (78). James recently said that he is feeling better than at any point in his career. The Cavs have made at least 10 three-pointers in a franchise-record 20 straight contests and scored at least 100 points in 24 consecutive games (2nd-longest in team history). Cleveland’s reserves are averaging a franchise-record 40.7 points this season, which ranks 4th in the NBA. The previous franchise mark for the Cavs’ bench is 36.9 points set in 1991-92. From beyond the arc, Cleveland is averaging 12.3 three-pointers per game (2nd in NBA) and shooting .381 from long distance (7th in NBA). Korver leads all NBA bench players in plus/minus (+217) and is tied for 1st in three-pointers made. Korver also leads the entire league in triples made in the fourth quarter (37). Over the last 9 games, Jeff Green is averaging 12.0 points (.541 FG%, .429 3FG%), a perfect 22-22 mark from the foul line, and 4.3 rebounds in 23.8 minutes. Cleveland is shooting .807 from the free throw line this season, which ranks 2nd in the NBA. The team has connected on at least .800 from the foul line on 15 occasions and .900 or better 7 times.Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 111.06
- Field Goals: 48.37%
- Three Points: 38.17%
- Free Throws: 80.77%
- Rebounds: 41.87
- Average Score Against: 107.06
- Field Goals: 46.42%
- Three Points: 37.35%
- Free Throws: 73.59%
- Rebounds: 43.06
Why Bet on Milwaukee as your NBA Pick?
The Bucks enter on a three-game skid following a 115-111 loss in Houston on Saturday. Antetokounmpo finished with a team-high 28 points across 42 minutes. He also chipped in with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals while hitting 10-of-22 from the field. The Freak has dropped 20 or more points in 19 consecutive outings. Eric Bledsoe – who wasn’t with the Bucks yet in the first two Cavs games — finished with 19 points in the loss. Over the past three games as he is averaging just 15.0 points per game while his rebounds and assists have also been down in December.
Antetokounmpo continues to be second in the NBA in scoring this season with 29.9 points per game, while he is also tied for 10th in rebounds per game (10.5), 12th in field goal percentage (.548), 12th in steals per game (1.77), ninth in blocks per game (1.58) and first in minutes per game (37.8). Antetokounmpo is on pace to join David Robinson (1993-94) as only players in NBA history to average at least 29.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game for a season.
Together, Antetokounmpo (29.9), Bledsoe (17.1) and Middleton (20.2) are averaging 67.2 points per game, which makes them the highest scoring trio in the Eastern Conference, and the fourth-highest overall. Middleton is averaging career highs in points (20.2), rebounds (5.3) and assists (4.6) per game while shooting a career-high 46.7 percent from the field. Middleton is also one of only six players in the NBA this season to have multiple 40-point game games
In seven of their last eight games the Bucks have committed 11 or fewer turnovers. Milwaukee is first in the NBA in turnovers per game this season, averaging just 13.3 each game.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 104.46
- Field Goals: 47.98%
- Three Points: 35.57%
- Free Throws: 75.50%
- Rebounds: 38.39
- Average Score Against: 105
- Field Goals: 46.55%
- Three Points: 39.70%
- Free Throws: 76.98%
- Rebounds: 42.54
