The Milwaukee Bucks invade the Crypto.com Arena to battle the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Bucks Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs Bucks Pick.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in decent form as they’ve won four of their last six games overall. They will be hoping to bounce back in this one after having their two-game win streak halted by the Warriors in a 120-113 road defeat on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on 15 of 22 shooting, Ryan Rollins added 16 points with seven rebounds and four assists while Kevin Porter Jr chipped in with 15 points and nine assists. As a team, the Bucks shot 54 percent from the field and 14 of 32 from the 3-point line as they allowed the Warriors to use a 17-4 run in the second quarter to trail by 11 points at halftime. The Bucks didn’t make any sort of a comeback until the deficit ballooned to 17 points.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in decent form as they’ve won four of their last six games overall. They will be eager to bounce back here after having their three-game win streak snapped by the Spurs in a 107-91 road defeat on Wednesday. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 38 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, Jake LaRavia added 16 points while Jaxson Hayes chipped in with 10 points off the bench but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Lakers shot just 40 percent from the field and nine of 39 from the 3-point line as they leaned heavily on Doncic to carry their offense and keep them within striking distance. But Doncic never got enough support from the role players as the Lakers got outscored in every quarter. Deandre Ayton had a quiet game of just nine points, while Marcus Smart shot just one of six for his two points.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have lost each of their last six road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in seven of the Lakers’ last eight games.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Lakers have lost each of their last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last six home games following a road loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Bucks’ last five games as underdogs following a road loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (33.7) this season.
- Deandre Ayton ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FG% (68.9%) this season.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Bobby Portis ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (47.3%) this season.
- Kevin Porter Jr. has recorded 9+ assists in three consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.7).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (68.6%).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.5).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (73.9%).
Lakers vs Bucks Prediction
The Bucks are coming in with a full squad once again, while the Lakers are still missing Austin Reaves with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura both listed as questionable. The Bucks are coming into this contest with a little bit of momentum, but the key is that they are fully healthy compared to the Lakers, who could be shorthanded again. This didn’t work out too well in their big loss to the Spurs on Wednesday. I get why the Lakers are still favorites at home as I do expect James to return to the lineup, but the Bucks represent decent value as the underdogs in this spot. I think they can get the narrow win.