Milwaukee (38-30) at LA Lakers (43-25)
- When: Mar 20 2025, 10:30 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: SportsNet LA
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Betting Preview & Predictions
Milwaukee Bucks (-6.0) | Total: 226.0
The Milwaukee Bucks look to get back on track on the road, while the Los Angeles Lakers aim to continue their home dominance despite missing key players. The two teams meet for the second time in eight days, after Milwaukee took a convincing 126-106 win in their previous matchup on March 13.
Milwaukee Bucks: Road Struggles Continue
🔹 Record: 38-30 (14-18 on the road)
🔹 Last Game: 104-93 loss to the Golden State Warriors
🔹 Key Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 20 PTS, 5-16 FG in last game
The Bucks have struggled on the road, going just 14-18 away from home, the worst road record among the top six teams in the Eastern Conference. Their 104-93 loss to Golden State earlier this week highlighted their late-game struggles, as they were outscored 26-17 in the fourth quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will need to be more aggressive late in games, as Milwaukee’s passive offense in crunch time has allowed opponents to capitalize. Kyle Kuzma, who has averaged 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds since being traded, remains a key scoring option.
One of Milwaukee’s biggest issues has been defensive lapses late in games. They allowed a 16-0 run between the third and fourth quarters against Golden State, which turned a close game into a loss. Doc Rivers emphasized the need for better ball movement and offensive execution to avoid similar collapses against a Lakers team that thrives in its home arena.
Expect Giannis to attack early and set the tone, especially against a Lakers squad missing key frontcourt players.
Los Angeles Lakers: Holding Down the Fort Without Doncic
🔹 Record: 43-25 (28-7 at home)
🔹 Last Game: 120-108 win over Denver Nuggets
🔹 Key Player: Austin Reaves – 22 PTS, 8 AST
The Lakers continue to dominate at home, riding a nine-game winning streak at Crypto.com Arena. However, they will be without Luka Doncic, who played a pivotal role in their recent victory over Denver.
Austin Reaves will take on a larger offensive role, along with D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes, as LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (knee) remain day-to-day. The Lakers will need strong three-point shooting and ball movement to keep pace with Milwaukee’s transition game.
Despite missing key players, Los Angeles has won three straight games and remains one of the toughest home teams in the league. Coach JJ Redick has emphasized strong defensive rotations, which helped them jump out to a 28-point lead against Denver and secure the win.
Without Doncic’s playmaking, expect Reaves and Russell to handle more of the offense, while Taurean Prince and Christian Wood provide much-needed depth.
Betting Prediction & Player Props
🔥 Pick: Bucks -6.0
🔥 Lean: Under 226.0
The Lakers’ offense will struggle without Luka Doncic, and Milwaukee should be able to take advantage of their missing playmakers. Expect Giannis and Lillard to push the tempo, leading to a Bucks cover. However, with both teams missing key scorers, the Under 226.0 looks like the best bet.
Player Prop Targets:
✅ Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 27.5 points – With Milwaukee needing a bounce-back win, expect Giannis to take over offensively.
✅ Austin Reaves OVER 6.5 assists – With Doncic out, he’ll handle a bigger playmaking role.
✅ Kyle Kuzma OVER 13.5 points – Facing his former team, expect him to be aggressive on offense.
Expect the Bucks to control the pace, while the Lakers will struggle to keep up offensively without Doncic.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
