Lakers vs Bucks: Odds, Props and Predictions with LeBron James Sidelined (March 13)
The Milwaukee Bucks (36-28) host the Los Angeles Lakers (40-23) on Thursday night in a matchup of struggling powerhouses from both conferences. The Bucks are 6-point home favorites at Fiserv Forum, with tip-off set for 7:30 pm ET on TNT.
Lakers coach talks with LeBron James
Key Injuries:
- Lakers: LeBron James (groin), Jaxson Hayes (knee), Rui Hachimura (knee) out; Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable
- Bucks: Bobby Portis (suspension) out; Damian Lillard (groin) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) probable
Notable Player Props (DraftKings):
- Luka Doncic: 30.5 points, 8.5 assists
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 29.5 points, 12.5 rebounds
- Damian Lillard: 24.5 points
- Austin Reaves: 22.5 points
Recent Performance:
- Lakers have lost two straight, dropping to fourth in the West
- Bucks are on a three-game losing streak, averaging just 107.7 points during this stretch
- Lakers lead NBA in scoring defense since February 1 (107.9 points allowed)
Betting Trends:
- Lakers are 15-10-1 ATS as underdogs
- Bucks are 21-23-1 ATS as favorites
- Over has hit in 4 of last 5 head-to-head meetings
- Lakers have won 3 of last 4 matchups against Bucks
Best Bets:
- Lakers +6 (-110): Strong ATS record as underdogs and recent success against Milwaukee
- Doncic Over 8.5 assists (+110): Increased ball-handling responsibility with James out
The shorthanded Lakers should keep this competitive against a struggling Bucks team, making the points worth taking in what could be a potential NBA Finals preview.