NBA · Final

Bucks Edge Cavaliers in Nail-Biting Finish

116

118

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Fiserv Forum

Milwaukee Bucks 118, Cleveland Cavaliers 116, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks?

Milwaukee Bucks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 2026.

Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks?

Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling encounter at the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116, marking a significant victory for the home team. This win not only adds to the Bucks' recent form but also shifts the narrative in their ongoing series against the Cavaliers, who lead 2-1 in their matchups this season.

The Bucks entered this game with a home record of 26-31, having shown a solid performance at home recently with a 7-3 record over their last ten games. They averaged 114.2 points while allowing 113.4 during this stretch, indicating a competitive edge, especially in their last five games where they averaged 117.4 points scored against 111.6 allowed. Their recent victory against the Miami Heat, where they won 128-117, showcased their offensive capabilities, although they had suffered a setback against the Toronto Raptors prior to that.

On the other hand, the Cavaliers boasted a strong away record of 37-23, displaying an impressive 8-2 record in their last ten games. They averaged 120.8 points while allowing just 109.6, indicating a robust performance on both ends of the court. Their last outing saw them triumph over the New York Knicks with a score of 109-94, further solidifying their status as a formidable opponent.

Historically, the Bucks have struggled against the Cavaliers, losing the last six meetings between the two teams, including two earlier matchups this season where they fell 106-118 and 113-118. This trend added pressure on the Bucks to perform well at home and reverse their fortunes against Cleveland.

In terms of injuries, the Bucks had Kevin Porter Jr. listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue, which could have impacted their rotation and strategy. His presence on the court is crucial, especially in tight games like this one.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 220.5. The moneyline indicated the Cavaliers at -155 and the Bucks at +130, reflecting the expectations of a closely contested game.

The game conditions were conducive to a high-energy matchup, and the atmosphere in the Fiserv Forum was electric as both teams battled for supremacy. The final moments of the game were particularly gripping, with multiple lead changes and scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Dennis Schroder's late free throws tied the game at 116 before Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. sealed the victory for the Bucks with crucial baskets in the dying moments.

Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent and resilience from both teams, with the Bucks ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought contest. The performance of both teams in this game will be critical as they look ahead to their future matchups and playoff positioning.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLE -3.5	220.5 o -110 / u -110	Cleveland Cavaliers -155 · Milwaukee Bucks +130

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks

Leaders

PointsKevin Porter Jr.20Milwaukee Bucks
AssistsRyan Rollins9Milwaukee Bucks
ReboundsJericho Sims11Milwaukee Bucks
PointsJarrett Allen27Cleveland Cavaliers
AssistsCraig Porter Jr.9Cleveland Cavaliers
ReboundsJarrett Allen11Cleveland Cavaliers

Recent form

Milwaukee Bucks

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1114.2 scored · 113.4 allowed per game4-1 at home

W128-117vs Miami HeatFeb 25
L94-122vs Toronto RaptorsFeb 22
W139-118at New Orleans PelicansFeb 21
W110-93at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 13
W116-108at Orlando MagicFeb 12
L99-118at Orlando MagicFeb 10
W105-99vs Indiana PacersFeb 7
W141-137vs New Orleans PelicansFeb 5
W131-115vs Chicago BullsFeb 4
L79-107at Boston CelticsFeb 1

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 8-2Streak W1120.8 scored · 109.6 allowed per game5-2 away

W109-94vs New York KnicksFeb 25
L113-121at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 22
W118-113at Charlotte HornetsFeb 21
W112-84vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 20
W138-113vs Washington WizardsFeb 12
W119-117at Denver NuggetsFeb 10
W132-126at Sacramento KingsFeb 8
W124-91at LA ClippersFeb 5
W130-111at Portland Trail BlazersFeb 2
L113-126at Phoenix SunsJan 31

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19

Box score

Stat	Cleveland Cavaliers	Milwaukee Bucks
Field goals	42-87	48-88
Field goal %	48	55
Three-pointers	12-40	19-45
Three-point %	30	42
Free throws	20-27	3-5
Free throw %	74	60
Rebounds	44	36
Offensive rebounds	16	8
Defensive rebounds	28	28
Assists	28	28
Steals	7	7
Blocks	2	2
Turnovers	11	13
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	12	20
Fast-break points	3	9
Points in the paint	54	44
Fouls	10	20
Largest lead	7	12
Lead changes	13	13
Time in front	48	43

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter78-86Dennis Schroder makes 3-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter79-86Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter81-86Thomas Bryant makes layup (Dennis Schroder assists)
3rd Quarter84-86Keon Ellis makes 22-foot three point jumper (Dean Wade assists)
3rd Quarter84-89Bobby Portis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ousmane Dieng assists)
3rd Quarter87-89Sam Merrill makes 27-foot three point jumper (Dean Wade assists)
3rd Quarter87-91Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
3rd Quarter89-91Thomas Bryant makes layup
3rd Quarter89-92Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter89-93Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter92-93Keon Ellis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Dean Wade assists)
3rd Quarter94-93Dennis Schroder makes driving layup
4th Quarter96-93Keon Ellis makes 22-foot pullup jump shot (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter97-93Thomas Bryant makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter98-93Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-94Jericho Sims makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter98-96Kevin Porter Jr. makes 1-foot two point shot
4th Quarter98-98Bobby Portis makes 10-foot two point shot
4th Quarter100-98Sam Merrill makes layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter100-101AJ Green makes 30-foot running jump shot (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter100-103Jericho Sims makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Ryan Rollins assists)
4th Quarter102-103Jarrett Allen makes 3-foot hook shot (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter103-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter104-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter105-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter106-103Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-106Ryan Rollins makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter109-106Jaylon Tyson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
4th Quarter109-108Jericho Sims makes 2-foot dunk
4th Quarter110-108Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter110-110Jericho Sims makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter110-112Kevin Porter Jr. makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter111-112Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter112-112Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-114Ryan Rollins makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter112-116Ryan Rollins makes driving layup (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
4th Quarter113-116Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter114-116Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter116-116Dennis Schroder makes 8-foot two point shot
4th Quarter116-118Kevin Porter Jr. makes 15-foot fade away jump shot