NBA
Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Kick Off Time: 07.30 pm, ET Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin The NBA cross-conference match between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers will happen at Fiserv Forum on Thursday, 13th March 2025. Championship aspirations prevail for these two franchises, as they continue to build their respective team chemistry after making major changes to their roster during the trade deadline. This fixture will offer elite superstar talent attraction to the NBA Betting enthusiasts. "If you're looking to place bets on games like the Bucks vs. Lakers matchup, be sure to check out platforms offering a free signup bonus for new users
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LeBron James and Damian Lillard//Getty Images
The Bucks are having a decent season so far and they have begun to gain consistent rhythm. The Bucks parted away with their small forward star, Khris Middleton, who had been one of their core players during their championship-winning season. They acquired Kyle Kuzma and other pieces that are expected to aid their quest to winning the NBA title. The Bucks are fourth on the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 34-25.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers’ revival has taken the NBA by storm. The Lakers are currently well endowed, form wise, since their acquisition of generational superstar Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers were not expected to be ready to contest for the NBA title this season due to their lack of a post presence. However, they have negated this assumption with two elite perimeter plays, and entered their name as one of the favorites to win the championship. They are second on the Western Conference standings with a record of 38-21.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
SportsBoom provides the following pre-game odds to fans of online betting.
Milwaukee Bucks: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
Los Angeles Lakers: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on 1Win closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
Over a recent five-game stretch, the Lakers have won three games, while the Bucks have won two.
LAST FIVE MATCHES
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2023/2024 | March 26th 2024 | Milwaukee Bucks 124-128 Los Angeles Lakers (2nd Overtime) |
| 2023/2024 | March 8th 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 123-122 Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2022/2023 | February 9th 2023 | Los Angeles Lakers 106-115 Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2022/2023 | December 2nd 2022 | Milwaukee Bucks 129-133 Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2021/2022 | February 8th 2022 | Los Angeles Lakers 116-131 Milwaukee Bucks |
Milwaukee Bucks: Current Form – WWLWW
- Overall Record: 34-25
- Home Record: 20-9
- Away Record: 13-16
The Milwaukee Bucks are having a good season despite grappling with injuries issues, suspensions and chemistry issues. They have put together a solid roster that is equipped with size and athleticism. Their superstar duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have been playing mind-blowing basketball, and are in contention for All-NBA selections.
Giannis is once again in the MVP conversations and he is leading the team in scoring and rebounds, with 30.9 points per game and 12.1 rebounds. Their mid-season trade deadline day acquisitions of Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims have revitalized the team by bringing much-needed youth, who are vital against the contenders within the conference.
Head coach Doc Rivers believes the team received an overly severe punishment for the 25-game suspension placed on center/power forward Bobby Porti, who tested positive for the banned Tramadol. The Bucks hope that he will be fit and ready, come playoffs, as his production of the bench is vital.
Milwaukee have all the personnel to clinch the NBA title, and are low-key title contenders, considering they have championship experience among the coaching units and players.
Rui Hachimura and Brook Lopez//Getty Images
Key Players to Watch
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis Antetokounmpo is among the best five players in the NBA. The “Greek freak” has been his usual dominant and is a walking double-double. Antetokounmpo is one of the best defensive players in the league, and is primed for a monstrous game, given that the Lakers lack size in their frontcourt to deal with him.
- Damian Lillard: Damian Lillard is having a better second season with Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard’s pick-and-roll with Giannis is a beauty to view. He is leading the team in assists and steals with 7.3 and 1.2 per game respectively.
- Brook Lopez: Brook Lopez is one of the best defensive centers in the league. Lopez’s inside out game is often underrated, much to the detriment of his opponents. Lopez leads the team with 2.0 blocks per game and is likely to dominate in the post as the Lakers are lacking size inside.
Milwaukee Bucks Team News
The Milwaukee Bucks encounter the absence of suspended Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, who is recovering from his calf injury.
Los Angeles Lakers: Current Form – WWWWW
- Overall Record: 38-21
- Home Record: 23-7
- Away Record 15-14
The Los Angeles Lakers are legit NBA title contenders. The addition of Luka Dončić has revitalized the organization and offered them, arguably, the best offensive one-two punch. In a rather shocking turn of events, Lakers managed to get Luka from Dallas, all for a bag of chips, with their only notable loss being a soon-to-be 32-year old elite and All-NBA two-way superstar, Anthony Davis. The deal was too good for Lakers to reject, leaving their rival NBA executives annoyed at the decision.
Despite the Lakers lacking an elite post presence, they have the best defensive rating in the NBA since January, a trait made possible by their zonal defense and massive size on the perimeter. They have steam-rolled the past playoff-contending opponents with ease, resulting in second place rank on the standings.
Head Coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job in building a system that accommodates Luka Dončić and LeBron James, along with a solid supporting cast. Key players like Jarred Vanderbilt are finally back on the fold after spending time on the sidelines and the ball movement has been top-notch, making it difficult for opposing teams to maximize on their scouting report.
Key Players to Watch
- Luka Dončić: Luka Dončić is the future of the Lakers, as it has been clarified by the front office. He is getting settled in with his new team and has already showcased Luka Magic on the floor. He is the first option for the team, a remarkable honor, considering that he will be playing alongside the greatest player in the history of the NBA, LeBron James.
- LeBron James: LeBron James is still one of the best players in the NBA despite turning 40 years old in December. King James leads the Lakers in assists and can take over the game whenever he sees fit. He has adjusted his game to suit another ball dominant player, Luka, a testament to his basketball IQ.
- Austin Reaves: Austin Reaves is expected to be back in time for this matchup. Reaves has had a sensational season on route to averaging 19.1 points per game. The “White Mamba” guarantees more open looks, as a result of playing alongside two of the best three playmakers in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Rui Hachimura will miss this game after been diagnosed with left patellar tendinopathy while Maxi Kleber will have his surgically repaired right foot re-evaluated.
Jordan Goodwin has also been ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Predicted Lineups
Milwaukee Bucks Lineup
- Point Guard: Damian Lillard
- Shooting Guard: Taurean Prince
- Small Forward: Kyle Kuzma
- Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Los Angeles Lakers Lineup
- Point Guard: Luka Dončić
- Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
- Small Forward: Dorian Finney-Smith
- Power Forward: LeBron James
- Center: Jaxson Hayes
Value Bets
Giannis Antetokounmpo to Score Over 25 Points and 10 Rebounds – Giannis is in contention for an MVP award and he is an established double-double expert, making this prediction reasonable.
Luka to Score Over 25 Points and Five Assists – Luka is finally establishing comfort in the Lakers, and his production has been on an upward surge; hence, is expected to meet this threshold.
Prediction: Los AngelesLakers to Win
The Lakers are slight favorites in this game, despite this been an on-the-road match for them. They are the most equipped team since the trade deadline, making them a strong force of contention.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.
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