The Milwaukee Bucks will continue their road trip in Los Angeles as they're set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. The Bucks will be looking to break their losing skid against a reeling and depleted Laker bunch. LA is just looking to stay afloat long enough to welcome their two-headed monster back with open arms. They have had a real tough time getting it going without LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers are hoping to get their leaders back in the coming weeks, but first they'll have to find a way to take down Giannis and crew on a Wednesday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bucks-Lakers prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Bucks-Lakers odds.
NBA Odds: Bucks-Lakers Odds
Milwaukee Bucks -8.5 (-115)
Los Angeles Lakers +8.5 (-105)
Over 221.5 Points (-110)
Under 221.5 Points (-110)
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in an uncharacteristic slump of late. They have lost three straight, including a loss on this same court just Monday night. That 129-105 defeat came at the hands of the Clippers, though. The two prior losses to Boston and New York were tough pills to swallow, despite having to play without the Greek Freak. Milwaukee should be feeling good coming into this matchup with a healthy squad and a depleted Purple & Gold side on the other end of the floor.
Last time these two teams squared off, the Lakers actually defeated the Bucks in Milwaukee. The Bucks were playing great basketball at that point and only fell short because of the dominance of both James and Davis. In that game, Giannis went for 25 points and 12 rebounds. He should have his way in the game tonight. Milwaukee possesses a huge advantage on the glass and should be able to create second chance opportunities at will. The second best scoring team in the league is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against the Lakers.
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found a way to string a couple of wins together. The Lakers have won two straight after going on a painful losing streak. LA has leaned on defense to get out of the gutter, which has proved fruitful in their last two games against the Cavs and the Magic. The second best scoring defense in the league has to continue to play high energy on that side of the floor and hope it leads to easy buckets in transition. Although the last two wins were against lottery teams, the Lakers are hoping that two straight home wins will establish some sort of momentum going forward.
Los Angeles fans have received great news recently as Andre Drummond has agreed to sign with the Lakers. They finally have that big presence down low that this team has been lacking in 2021. Drummond is a rebounding machine that shoots a high percentage around the rim. He is expected to make his Laker debut against the Bucks. During the stretch without their two stars, LA has leaned on Montrezl Harrel and Dennis Schroder. Harrell is averaging 20.6 points and Schroder is averaging 19.6 points per game over their last five.
Final Bucks-Lakers Prediction & Pick
At full strength, this game wouldn't be separated by more than five points and would probably see the other side favored. That's unfortunately not the case tonight, though. We see a Laker team that is starved for firepower right now and a Bucks team that is back to full strength. There will be a huge disparity in many facets. I'm not impressed with the Lakers last two wins and Milwaukee is in a prime bounce back spot. The Bucks have huge blowout potential because of the Lakers' awful offensive output of late.
FINAL PICK: Milwaukee Bucks -8.5 (-115)
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