We get a big Eastern Conference matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks (8-6) vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers (9-5) at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock tonight, Monday, November 17.
These two teams faced off on October 26 earlier this year, and it was a closely contested matchup, with Cleveland coming away with a 118-113 victory. The Eastern Conference standings are tight, and although the Cavs are the No. 3 seed and the Bucks are No. 7, they are only separated by one game.
Below, we’ll break down our Bucks vs. Cavaliers prediction and player picks for Monday, including the top picks on PrizePicks' real-money NBA game for PF Giannis Antetokounmpo and G Donovan Mitchell.
Bucks vs. Cavaliers Prediction, Preview for Monday
Let’s break down Milwaukee and Cleveland as they head into this Central Division matchup on Monday, November 17.
Cavaliers Preview vs. Bucks
- The Cavaliers had one of the most historic starts to a season in 2024, with 15 straight wins, the second-best in league history.
- This year has not seen the same type of success, with a 9-5 record.
- The slow start could be due to the absence of some of their top players. That includes PG Darius Garland, who's only played three games this season due to a toe injury and is expected to be sidelined for this matchup.
- The offense has regressed from last year. In the 2024-25 season, they led the league in offensive efficiency (1.179), while this season, they are 13th (1.136).
Bucks Preview vs. Cavaliers
- Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another incredible season and could be a strong MVP candidate if he continues to play at this level.
- He’s coming into this game second in points scored per game (32.6) and sixth in rebounds (11.3). He’s finished in the top four in MVP voting in seven straight seasons, winning twice.
- The Bucks' experiment with G Damian Lillard didn’t bring the success they had hoped for, as they never won an NBA title with him in two seasons. Last year, Lillard tore his Achilles tendon, and during the offseason, Milwaukee waived him.
- Milwaukee needed a replacement in the paint after C Brooke Lopez left in the offseason to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bucks signed former Pacers C Myles Turner in the offseason to a 4-year, $108.9 million deal. He is currently second on the team with 6.2 rebounds per game.
Bucks vs. Cavaliers Picks for PrizePicks - Monday, 11/17/25
Below are three top Bucks vs. Cavaliers NBA DFS picks for Monday. Use PrizePicks real-money NBA game and win real money if your NBA right.
Cavaliers SG Donovan Mitchell vs. Bucks Projection: 28.5 Points
- Donovan Mitchell is finding consistency, as he has scored more than 28 points in 8-of-12 games this season.
- Mitchell’s 30.4 points per game rank fifth, and he is averaging 32.8 points at home.
- The Bucks are allowing the fourth-most points per game to guards on the road (21.8).
- Milwaukee ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency (1.145).
- The former Louisville guard is highly involved in the Cavs' offense as he ranks seventh in usage percentage (30.9%).
Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Cavs Projection: 42.5 Pts+Reb
- Antetokounmpo has more than 42 pts+reb in three of his last four games against the Cavaliers.
- The Cavs are allowing the most points (27.7) and rebounds (12.9) to power forwards this season.
- According to databllr, the Greek Freak’s 20.2% defensive rebound percentage is in the 93rd percentile.
- Giannis rebounds his own misses 15.6% of the time, which is in the 98th percentile.
- Cleveland struggles to keep opponents from grabbing their own rebounds, as their opponents' 27.7% offensive rebound percentage ranks 19th.
Cavaliers PF/C Evan Mobley vs. Cavs Projection: 28.5 Pts+Rebs
- Evan Mobley has more than 28 pts+rebs in three of his last four games, and four of seven home games.
- Mobley is leading the Cavaliers with 9.0 rebounds per game and second with 19.2 points.
- The Bucks struggle against big men on the road, allowing the fourth-most rebounds (14.3) and seventh-most points (19.9).
- The former USC center's 4.5 attempts from mid-range are in the 88th percentile.
- Milwaukee is 20th in defensive shooting efficiency against mid-range shots (43.5%).
Make Monday NBA Picks on PrizePicks
On Monday, the NBA brings us an eight-game slate that includes some excellent matchups. One of the premier games features Mitchell and the Cavs hosting Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a showdown between two of the East's best.
In an Eastern Conference matchup, there are plenty of options to make your NBA picks on PrizePicks. Just predict More or Less on NBA player projections and win money if you're right.
Check out the Playbook for more NBA DFS picks and analysis all the way through the season.
