The Milwaukee Bucks will get another crack at the LA Lakers on Friday. Milwaukee, which lost 119-95 in mid-November, hopes for some payback against the host team. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains a staple in trade talks, will lead the visitors.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic and Co. hope to bounce back after getting blown away 107-91 by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. LeBron James (sciatica), who sat out the second game of a back-to-back set, is questionable, while Austin Reaves is still out. Rui Hachimura’s status is also uncertain due to a right calf strain.
Bucks vs Lakers Odds
Moneyline: Milwaukee (+135) vs. LA (-161)
Odds: Milwaukee (+3.5 -115) vs. LA (+3.5 (-105)
Total (O/U): Milwaukee (o233.0 -110) vs. LA (u233.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Bucks vs Lakers Preview and Prediction
Preview
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers needs to coax more out of the lineup to give Giannis Antetokounmpo support. In its previous loss to LA, the two-time MVP had 32 points, but no other teammate had over 15 points.
The visitors also can’t afford to play poorly for long stretches as they did in their prior loss to Doncic’s team. If Milwaukee trails big early, getting out of a hole on the road will be tough.
Attacking the shaded lane will be crucial for the home team, who won the points in the paint battle 38-30 in the first encounter. More importantly, LA had converted 30 of 33 free throws, a telling advantage to Milwaukee’s 16-for-24 clip.
If LeBron James is limited or out, LA will need an explosive night from Luka Doncic to defend its home floor.
Prediction
James likely plays after getting a night off on Wednesday. With him and Doncic, expect the hosts to beat the -3.5 spread on their way to a win.
Bucks vs Lakers Player Props
Luka Doncic led LA with 41 points against Milwaukee in their first clash. The Slovenian likely tops his 34.5 (O/U points prop against the visiting team’s middling defense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on a tear in January, averaging 33.7 points per game on 68.4% shooting. Expect him to blow past his 31.5 (O/U) points prop.
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