Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Rocket Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The Bucks come into the matchup undefeated after two wins, while the Cavaliers are looking to even their early-season record after starting 1-1. This Central Division clash presents both teams with an early opportunity to assert dominance and test their depth.

Milwaukee faces injury concerns with Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as probable due to a sprained left great toe, and Kyle Kuzma questionable with a left ankle sprain. Starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. is out, leaving the Bucks to rely on Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis, and their bench rotation for scoring and playmaking. Cleveland will be without Darius Garland, who is recovering from left great toe surgery, and Max Strus, sidelined with left foot surgery. De’Andre Hunter is questionable with a right knee contusion, placing added responsibility on Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and the supporting cast.

Coach Mike Budenholzer plans to emphasize Milwaukee’s high-paced offense, ball movement, and transition scoring while compensating for missing personnel. The Bucks will look to balance inside-out play with perimeter shooting to keep Cleveland’s defense off-balance. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to run a versatile offense, utilizing Mitchell and Mobley to generate scoring while relying on rotation players to cover gaps left by Garland and Strus. Defensively, the Cleveland Cavaliers will aim to limit Giannis’ impact in the paint and disrupt Milwaukee’s ball circulation.

Pre-game reports favor the Bucks slightly due to their star power and healthy depth beyond Antetokounmpo, though analysts caution that Milwaukee’s rotations could be tested if injuries linger. The Cavaliers’ home-court advantage and ability to adapt without Garland are highlighted as factors that could create a competitive environment. Media coverage emphasizes the importance of bench production and defensive execution on both sides.

Studio analysts are focusing on how the Bucks adjust their offense without Porter and the potential impact of Giannis’ toe injury, while Cleveland’s strategy to manage Garland’s absence and maintain defensive discipline is closely monitored. Analysts expect the game to hinge on which team better executes in crunch time, balances rotations, and capitalizes on scoring opportunities from secondary players. The matchup is anticipated to be closely contested with high stakes for both teams early in the season.