LA LAKERS @ MILWAUKEE (MIL -6.5, 225.5)
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LAKERS @ BUCKS 3/13/25
When the Milwaukee Bucks host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, two contending teams that have been on short losing streaks try to get back on track. Prior to dropping consecutive games in Boston and Brooklyn, Los Angeles was among the NBA's most successful teams, winning eight straight. Without LeBron James, they lost 111-108 to the Nets on Monday.
Tyrese Haliburton's running three-pointer that turned into a game-winning 4-point play in the closing seconds of Tuesday night's 115-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis has left the Bucks in a heartbreaking position. It was the Bucks' third consecutive defeat and another squandered chance to beat a team they are competing with in the Eastern Conference standings. In the loss, the Bucks turned the ball over fifteen times.
Milwaukee is led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averages 30.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per contest. Brook Lopez averages 1.9 blocks per game, and Damian Lillard dishes out just over seven assists per night.
With 25 points and 8.5 assists per game, James leads the Lakers. Luka Doncic has averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and eight assists in 12 games since joining Los Angeles.
Regarding injuries, James will be sidelined for at least one to two weeks due to a groin strain. The team will be without Rui Hachimura (knee) for the duration of this road trip. Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Jaxson Hayes (knee) did not play in Monday's game, and it is unknown if they will be available tonight.
Bobby Portis is still out for Milwaukee due to suspension. Chris Livingston (illness) and Tyler Smith (back) were also absent from Tuesday's game.
Tonight's game is their first meeting of the season between the Bucks and Lakers; the second one will take place in Los Angeles next Thursday.
Thanks to the thrilling sweep last year, the Lakers have defeated Milwaukee twice in a row. The Lakers defeated the Bucks 123-122 in Los Angeles before defeating Milwaukee 128-124 in double overtime.
James did not attend the game at Fiserv Forum last year either. In the most recent game, Antetokounmpo finished with 29 points and 21 rebounds, while Lillard finished with 27 points and eight assists. Prior to last season, the Lakers hadn't swept Milwaukee since the 2009–10 season
There is one particular area where the Lakers lead the NBA - field goal percentage in the restricted area. The Lakers shoot 72.3 percent in that area, but Milwaukee defends it well. Both Antetonkoumpo and Brook Lopez play key roles there as will newcomer Jericho Sims. He has seen more minutes due to the suspension of Portis.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
GAME TOTAL UNDER 225.5
Tonight’s total opened at 227.5 and is now down two points. Four of the last five in this series have gone Over the total, but those game totals were set closer to or over 230. Tonight’s number indicates the expectation of a lower scoring game. LeBron James will be out for the Lakers and they scored just 108 without him on Monday. Nine of the Lakers last 11 games have gone Under the total as has 4 of the last 6 that were played on the road. Milwaukee has lost three straight and each of the last two went Under.