It's Friday in the NBA, and we are bringing you every pick, prediction, and odds for your favorite basketball games. This showdown will feature two teams with marquee players as the Milwaukee Bucks battle the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It's time to check out our NBA odds series, while making a Bucks-Lakers prediction, and pick.
The Bucks are struggling this season, sitting at 16-21 and currently out of a play-in spot. Currently, they trail the Chicago Bulls by one game, as they have been unable to play consistent basketball. The current trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo have not helped the team, which is struggling to stay afloat.
The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference and have started to slide down the standings. They lost their last game against the San Antonio Spurs and will hope to bounce back. But they also might still be short, as some of their key players are either out or questionable for this game.
NBA odds courtesy of DraftKings
Bucks vs. Lakers odds
Milwaukee Bucks: +3.5 (-115)
Los Angeles Lakers: -3.5 (-105)
Over: +136
Under: -162
Bucks vs. Lakers Key Injuries
Milwaukee: Taurean Prince (neck- out)
Los Angeles: Austin Reaves (left calf strain -out), LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis -game-time decision), Rui Hachimura (calf strain -questionable)
Bucks vs. Lakers betting trends
The Bucks are 17-20 ATS overall. Meanwhile, the Lakers are 20-15 ATS.
The Bucks are 9-10 ATS on the road. Conversely, the Lakers are 9-7 ATS at home.
The Bucks are 10-10 ATS as underdogs. On the contrary, the Lakers are 12-7 ATS as favorites.
Both teams are 5-5 ATS against one another over the past 10 games.
The Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. Comparatively, the Lakers are 4-6 ATS in their past 10 games.
Keys to Bucks vs. Lakers matchup
The Bucks have been inconsistent, going just 5-5 in their past 10 games. Much of that has had to do with being unable to make the right plays at the right time. Their last game against the Golden State Warriors was a prime example, as they endured a horrendous second quarter and could not climb their way back into it. Additionally, they recently blew a lead against the Washington Wizards and lost at home. There have also been games where the effort simply wasn't there, such as the 125-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
It all starts, as always, with Antetokounmpo. The entire offense is built around him, and he produces consistently, as he did when he scored 34 points against the Warriors. But someone else needs to step up and contribute. Kevin Porter Jr. must continue to play well, and the rest of the starting lineup must make plays. As they prepare to face the Lakers, they also must find a way to contain Luka Doncic.
Doncic has been carrying the Lakers on his back, scoring 38 points while shooting 13 of 26 in a 107-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Of course, James missed that game and is questionable to play tonight. The Lakers are already without Reaves, which puts more pressure on Doncic. Ultimately, that means someone else must step up.
The Lakers have to take better shots, as they shot just 39.5% against the Spurs, including an ugly 23.1% from the three-point line. Additionally, they shot 63.6% from the free-throw line. The Lakers need their playmakers to motion and make plays, while helping Doncic in the process. On defense, they cannot allow Antetokounmpo to control the flow.
Bucks vs. Lakers Prediction and Pick
The Lakers destroyed the Bucks 119-95 in their last encounter, a stunner given how lopsided it was. Reaves was a major contributor to that win and won't play tonight. Regardless, the Lakers have enough talent to fend off the Bucks, and Doncic will be ready to lead, whether James suits up or not.
Final Bucks-Lakers Prediction & Pick: Lakers -3.5 (-105)
