Bucks speak on win over Raptors, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s historic night
Doc Rivers, Gary Trent Jr., Cole Anthony and Giannis Antetokounmpo speak on win over Raptors on Oct. 24, 2025 in Toronto.
CLEVELAND – The Milwaukee Bucks look to win their third straight game to open the season when they head into Rocket Arena on Oct. 26 to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bucks took a 31-29 lead after one quarter thanks to eight points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and six points from Ryan Rollins. The Bucks harassed the Cavaliers into 2 of 13 shooting from behind the 3-point line, though Sam Merrill did score 10 points for Cleveland.
It is the third straight home opener the Bucks are playing, after wining their season-opener at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 22 and then beating the Raptors in Toronto on Oct. 24 to christen the 2025-26 home schedule for the Raptors.
Cleveland is 1-1 after finishing a New York swing with a loss to the Knicks and a win in Brooklyn against the Nets.
The Bucks head back to Milwaukee for a three-game homestand following the game against Cleveland and host the Knicks on Oct. 28.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. The Bucks’ superstar began the day probable to play for the second straight game with soreness in his left big toe. He played in Toronto with the injury designation on Oct. 24 and turned in a historic performance with 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists. It was the seventh time in his career he had at least 30-20-7. He also shot 78.6% from the floor.
Cole Anthony ruled out for game vs. Cavs
Bucks backup guard Cole Anthony was shelved for the game against Cleveland after coming down with an illness after helping the team to a tough win in Toronto with a 23-point, 7-assist effort against the Raptors.
That meant the Bucks became very thin at the ball handling spot, as they were already without starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. Ryan Rollins has been elevated to a starting role, but after Giannis Antetokounmpo the second unit is incredibly thin.
Kevin Porter Jr., Kyle Kuzma work out at shootaround
Bucks starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr., who sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the season opener against Washington, got some court work in after the team finished shootaround at Rocket Arena. After going through some movement warmups, he went through what looked like his normal pregame routine.
Porter had been ruled out for the two-game road trip through Toronto and Cleveland before the team left Milwaukee.
Forward Kyle Kuzma also participated in shootaround after spraining his ankle in the fourth quarter of the Bucks’ win over the Raptors. He began the day as questionable to play, but after the shootaround Kuzma was downgraded to doubtful and eventually out before the game.
Bucks starting lineup
- Guards: Gary Trent Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Myles Turner
What time is the Bucks game?
It is an early tip off time for the Bucks and Cavaliers on Oct. 26, with the game scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The Bucks-Cavaliers game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Stephen Watson on the call.
Bucks vs. Cavs odds, over/under
The Bucks are 6.5-point favorites over the Cavaliers, with the over/under set with 236.5 points per BetMGM.
