Lakers vs Bucks Odds, Picks and Preview
- The Los Angeles Lakers will battle the Milwaukee Bucks on ESPN at 7:30pm ET on Wednesday, Nov. 17th
- The Lakers come into the game at 8-7, while the Bucks enter at 6-8 on the year
- See below for the latest odds, analysis and the best bet
A showdown between two championship contenders trying to find their footing early in the season goes Wednesday (Nov 17), when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30pm ET.
It’s the first of an ESPN doubleheader, and has the Bucks listed as 8-point favorites in this matchup of playoff teams from a year ago.
Los Angeles is 8-7 overall and is 6-4 in its last 10 games, sitting as the 7-seed in the West. The Lakers most recently fell 121-103 at home against the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Lakers vs Bucks Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +8 (-110) | +270 | Over 221.5 (-110) |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -8 (-110) | -335 | Under 221.5 (-110) |
Odds as of Nov. 16th from FanDuel
Milwaukee is below .500 on the season, at 6-8 overall while having gone 3-7 in the last 10 games to remain on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Milwaukee has dropped its last two games, most recently coming up short on the road against the Atlanta Hawks 120-100.
Injury Report
The injury report is flooded for Wednesday.
For the Lakers include LeBron James (abdominal strain), Kendrick Nunn (knee), Austin Reaves (hamstring) and Trevor Ariza (ankle) are all out. Anthony Davis is probable for a second straight game with a thumb injury.
The Bucks will be without Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), with George Hill (back) and Khris Middleton (personal reasons) listed as probable.
Lakers Try to Tread Water Without LeBron
Los Angeles has managed to get by for the most part with James out of the rotation since Nov. 2, floating around the .500 mark without its star player. With James reportedly eying a return later this week, the Lakers hope to continue that trend for at least one more game against the Bucks.
While going against a high-powered offense in Milwaukee, Los Angeles will need to put together a solid defensive performance to try and pull out a road victory.
The Lakers are giving up 114.1 points per game in losses this year, averaging 102 points on the offensive end. In wins, Los Angeles is giving up 111 points while averaging 116.6 points on the other side.
Without James in the rotation, Davis has led the way for the Lakers, averaging 24.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, followed by Russell Westbrook with 19.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals and Carmelo Anthony off the bench averaging 15.5 points and four rebounds a game.
Can the Bucks Get Back on Track?
A team many picked to repeat as NBA champs, Milwaukee has struggled to start the regular season, dropping four of its last six games. The Bucks will try to right that ship on Wednesday, kicking off a five-game homestand in Milwaukee.
One key for Milwaukee so far this year has been its ability to produce offensively. In six wins, the Bucks have averaged 119 points per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and 42.3% from three.
In eight losses, they are averaging just 99.5 points while shooting 41.3% from the field and 30.6% from deep.
Individually, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Middleton have carried Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo leads the team with 26.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, six assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.
Middleton have averaged 20 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and two steals. The Bucks will once again rely on them to try and get back on track against the Lakers.
Prediction and Best Bet
Milwaukee should be able to use its home crowd to take it to Los Angeles without James to avoid a three-game losing streak while handing the Lakers their second straight loss.
Los Angeles is giving up 112.5 points per game to opposing teams, which ranks fourth-most in the NBA. That is something Milwaukee will be able to take advantage of in order to come out on top.
For the best bet of the night, go with the over/under. With the Lakers ranking 27th in the league in points allowed and the Bucks ranking 22nd (109.8), this game will likely surpass that point total.
- The Pick: Over 221.5 (-110)
Mitchell has a decade of experience in journalism, marketing, communications and digital fields, having covered sports teams and leagues on all levels. He has spent more than seven years covering the WNBA and NBA, among other sports. You can follow him on Twitter @M_Hansen13.
