Clash of the titans: Giannis vs. LeBron

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When the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers play it's going to be an interesting game. And not just because these are two of the better teams in the NBA's Central Division.

When the Bucks and Cavs meet it also means we get to see Giannis Antetokounmpo match up against LeBron James. Neither usually disappoints.



In Antetokounmpo's career, he and James have started in the same game 12 times. The statistical comparison between the two is interesting.

James has the edge in points (27.0-24.5) and assists (7.0-4.8), but Antetokounmpo averages more rebounds (8.7-7.9) and steals (1.3-1.1), has fewer turnovers (2.8-4.1) and has a higher field-goal percentage (56.1-52.8). One thing Antetokounmpo would like to catch up in, starting Tuesday, is head-to-head wins as Cleveland has won the last five matchups.

In his last nine games against the Cavs, Antetokounmpo has score more than 30 points four times, including twice this season when he poured in 34 and 40.

It all makes for what should be a fun Tuesday as the teams meet once again. Expect both players to be on the floor a lot -- Antetokounmpo currently leads the NBA (minimum 20 games played) averaging 37.9 minutes per game; James is second at 37.4 minutes per game.

Other notes:

-- Cleveland has scored 100+ points in 24 straight games, the longest active streak in the NBA. Milwaukee has a 12-game streak, which is tied for third-longest.

-- Khris Middleton has increased his points per game, field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage and assists per game in each month this season and also lowered his turnovers per game as well. In December, Middleton is averaging 22.9 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from 3.

-- The Bucks are fourth in the NBA in differential between points off turnovers and opponent points off turnovers at +4.2. Milwaukee averages 18.6 points per game off miscues while opposing teams average 14.4 vs. the Bucks.

-- James has recorded seven straight double-doubles and has 10+ assists in five in a row, the longest such streak of his career.

Statistics courtesy STATS