Milwaukee Bucks (41-22) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (35-30)
March 8, 2024 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Los Angeles Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: +236.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Bucks Prediction.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in great shape as they’ve won eight of their last 11 games overall, but they will be looking to bounce back in this one after having their six-game win streak halted by the Warriors in a 125-90 road loss on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis each scored 20 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Bucks shot just 38 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they played almost no defense early on and allowed 78 points in the first half and things only got worse in the fourth quarter where they got outscored by 32-9 to suffer their worst loss of the season. The Bucks will play against the Clippers, Kings, and 76ers after this game.
Los Angeles Lakers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been travelling well as they’ve won seven of their last 11 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back here after getting beaten by the Kings in a 130-120 loss on Wednesday. LeBron James led the team with 31 points and 13 assists, Rui Hachimura added 29 points on 13 of 17 shooting while Austin Reaves chipped in with 18 points and four assists. As a team, the Lakers shot 51 percent from the field and 15 of 32 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 37 points in the first quarter to jump out to an early 19-point lead, but it didn’t last long at all as they got destroyed by 44-20 in the second quarter to put them behind the rest of the way. The Lakers will meet the Timberwolves after this one.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Facts
- The Lakers have won each of their last eight games at Crypto.com Arena following a loss.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the last six games between the Bucks and Lakers.
- Each of the Lakers’ last four night games against the Bucks following a home loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Team Facts
- The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games against the Lakers following a road loss.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in each of their last five games at Crypto.com Arena.
- Each of the Bucks’ last seven games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Lakers vs Bucks Prediction
The Bucks are still shorthanded with Khris Middleton out once again, while the Lakers are keeping eyes on Anthony Davis and LeBron James who are both listed as questionable here. The Bucks were on fire before they got embarrassed by the Warriors in their last outing and you could almost say the same about the Lakers who just blew a 19-point lead to the Kings in their last game. Surprisingly, this is the first meeting between these two teams this season, so while it’s tempting to take the Bucks at the short line, I think the Lakers represent decent value as the home underdog in this spot.
