LA Lakers (40-23) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (36-28)
March 13, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Milwaukee Bucks -5.5; Over/Under: 225
(Get latest betting odds)
The LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks meet Thursday in NBA action at the Fiserv Forum. Here’s a Bucks vs Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Bucks vs Lakers Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost to the Celtics and Nets, and they play the Nuggets, Suns, and Spurs next. The Lakers haven’t lost three straight games since January 5-13.
The LA Lakers are averaging 112.9 points on 48 percent shooting and allowing 111.1 points on 45.9 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Luka Doncic is averaging 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds. Austin Reaves is the third double-digit scorer and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5.2 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 34.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.8 rebounds per game.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Pacers and Cavs, and they play the Pacers, Thunder, and Warriors next. The Bucks have been a .500 team over their last eight games.
The Milwaukee Bucks are averaging 114.6 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 112.5 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.7 points and 12.1 rebounds, while Damian Lillard is averaging 25.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma is the third double-digit scorer and Bobby Portis is grabbing 8.1 rebounds. The Milwaukee Bucks are shooting 38.3 percent from beyond the arc and 74.8 percent from the free throw line. The Milwaukee Bucks are allowing 35 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The home team has won each of the Lakers’ last eight games.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last five night games against Central Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Lakers’ last seven games.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five night games against Central Division opponents.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won six of their last seven games as underdogs.
- The Bucks have lost five of their last six games as home favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last eight Thursday games.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as home favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last six night games on the first leg of a back-to-back has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Bucks’ last nine games as home favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
Bucks vs Lakers Injury Report
Chris Livingston is questionable for the Bucks with an illness, while Tyler Smith is doubtful with a back injury.
The LA Lakers will be without Maxi Kleber, Jaxson Hayes, LeBron James, and Rui Hachimura. Luka Doncic is questionable with an ankle injury.
Bucks vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers have value in the underdog role because they’ve been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last two months. However, that loss to the Nets wasn’t great, and there’s a chance they’re without LeBron and Luka. The Lakers have a depth issue and if they’re down their top two players, I want nothing to do with them.
Also, the Bucks are riding a three-game losing streak and just lost to the Pacers at the last second, so there’s going to be some hunger and sense of urgency. The Bucks are a veteran team that knows they can’t let these losses string together. I expect the Bucks to play a clean game to get back on track. I’ll lay the points with the Bucks at home.
