LA Lakers (40-23) at Milwaukee (36-28)
- When: Mar 13 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
NBA Matchup: Lakers vs. Bucks Betting Preview
Milwaukee (-7) vs. Los Angeles | Total: 225.5
Two playoff hopefuls in need of a turnaround meet Thursday night as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams enter with brief losing streaks and are looking to build momentum before the final stretch of the regular season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers (38-29) had been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, rattling off an eight-game winning streak before falling in back-to-back road games. Their recent skid includes a 111-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, a game they played without LeBron James.
Head coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words after the defeat, blaming defensive lapses and a lack of focus.
“We ball-watched all night,” Redick said. “They probably made six to seven uncontested (3-pointers). Just shortcuts; you got to do the hard stuff.”
Los Angeles has been heavily reliant on Luka Doncic since acquiring him in a blockbuster trade, and he has delivered, averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and eight assists in 12 games with the team. James remains out with a groin strain and will miss at least another 1-2 weeks, while Rui Hachimura (knee) is also sidelined. The status of Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) remains uncertain for this matchup.
Despite their injuries, the Lakers have historically fared well against the Bucks, winning both meetings last season, including a thrilling 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee. They lead the league in field goal percentage in the restricted area (72.3%), a stat that will be tested against Milwaukee’s interior defense.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks (41-26) are coming off a crushing 115-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers, where Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second 3-pointer became a game-winning four-point play. The loss extended Milwaukee’s skid to three games and marked another missed opportunity in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.
Turnovers were a major issue for the Bucks, with 15 giveaways leading to costly transition points for Indiana. Head coach Doc Rivers was vocal about the team’s need to clean up sloppy possessions.
“They were the type of turnovers that they (the Pacers) get,” Rivers said. “We made turnovers that you just can’t make in a playoff game.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 30.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Damian Lillard leads the team in assists (7.2 per game), while Brook Lopez continues to anchor the defense with 1.9 blocks per contest.
Milwaukee is dealing with its own injury concerns, with Bobby Portis (suspension) remaining out, while Tyler Smith (back) and Chris Livingston (illness) were unavailable in Tuesday’s loss.
The Bucks have struggled in recent matchups with the Lakers, dropping both games last season, but they will have home-court advantage in this one. Antetokounmpo put up 29 points and 21 rebounds in the most recent meeting, while Lillard added 27 points and eight assists.
Betting Prediction
The Lakers have had Milwaukee’s number recently, but they are short-handed without James, and their defensive issues have been glaring in their last two outings. The Bucks, despite their struggles, should control the paint and take advantage of the Lakers’ injury woes.
Pick: Milwaukee (-7) to Cover
Lean: Under 225.5 – Both teams dealing with key absences, leading to a slower tempo
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
