Lakers vs Bucks Predictions, Player Props & Odds (March 13)

• The Milwaukee Bucks are 6-point home favorites when they host the LA Lakers on Thursday night
• The Lakers will be without starters LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes
• See my Lakers vs Bucks predictions, player props, and odds on March 13

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It’s a pair of Top-4 teams trying to shake their recent funks Thursday night, when the Milwaukee Bucks (36-28, 21-11 home) host the Los Angeles Lakers (40-23, 15-16 away). The Lakers are coming off a disappointing loss to Brooklyn, while the Bucks were killed at the buzzer by Indiana, sending them to a third straight loss.

Still, with LA shorthanded, the Bucks are a considerable favorite in the NBA odds, when this one tips off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee at 7:30 pm ET, with TNT carrying the broadcast.

Lakers vs Celtics Odds

The Lakers are 6-point road underdogs, including +180 odds on the moneyline. The total comes in at 225.5 points, with -110 odds on either side. These teams have cranked the Over in four of the last five head-to-head meetings.

Odds as of March 13 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before placing a bet on any NBA game on Thursday night.

The biggest omission from the Lakers’ lineup is 40-year-old LeBron James (groin), who was injured in the loss to Boston, and will be sidelined for at least a week. He’s on the shelf with LA starters Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Rui Hachimura (knee). Luka Doncic (ankle) is also listed as questionable.

On the Milwaukee side, usual IL regulars Damian Lillard (groin) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) are both probable against the Lakers, though Bobby Portis (suspension) is out, Chris Livingston (illness) is questionable and Tyler Smith (back) is doubtful.

LAL vs BOS Player Props

NBA player props from DraftKings on March 13.

Even without LBJ, this one will feature two apex stars in Giannis and Luka. Doncic has the highest scoring prop at 30.5 points, while Antetokounmpo is right behind him at 29.5. He has gone for 30+ in three of his last four outings. Lillard at 24.5 and Austin Reaves at 22.5 round out all the scorers at 20+ points.

This Dame dime to Giannis. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/vtplV79k6t

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 12, 2025

Doncic has the highest assist prop at 8.5, and should be an enticing number as he’ll be the main ball handler with James sidelined. Luka has had nine or more assists in four of the last five games.

Antetokounmpo is the only player in this contest with a double-digit rebounding prop, sitting at 12.5.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks

• Lakers vs Bucks pick: Lakers +6 (-110)
• Lakers vs Bucks prop bet: Doncic Over 8.5 assists (+110)

Lakers vs Bucks Predictions

It was an ugly loss to Brooklyn, who swept the 2-game regular season series against the Lakers with a 111-108 win.

Despite racking up a triple double, Luka Doncic shot a rough 8-for-26 from the floor and turned it over five times. Austin Reaves didn’t fare much better in the level up role, shooting 3-for-14 from the field for 17 points, though he did add 10 assists.

That wasted a great night by the “others”, as Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin combined for 60 points, including a blistering 14-for-24 from 3-point range.

Miami Gabe Vincent is officially back pic.twitter.com/bJVr1NxjGi

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 10, 2025

Two Lakers’ losses in a row drops them fourth in the West, just a half-game up on the Rockets and a half-game back of both the Grizzlies and Nuggets. A game against the Bucks just might be the remedy for the Lakers, who have won three of the last four head-to-head matchups and own a 3-1-0 mark against the spread.

Milwaukee grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory in a 115-114 loss to the Pacers, as a desperation Tyrese Haliburton heave turned into a hoop and 4-point play to send the Bucks to a third straight loss. The Bucks have scored just 107.7 points over the last three losses, and have failed to top 115 points in any of the contests. They may feel the pinch again, as the Lakers own the NBA’s top scoring defense since February 1, limiting teams to 107.9 points per contest.

Fiserv Forum could be a help, as Milwaukee’s 21-11 home record is tied for the 3rd-most home wins in the East.

While the Lakers are shorthanded, head coach JJ Redick called out his team for a lack of effort that cost them against Brooklyn. They should be ready to go in this potential NBA Finals matchup.

The Bucks have struggled as a betting favorite, going 21-23-1 ATS, while the Lakers are among the league’s best an underdog, going 15-10-1 ATS, a Top-6 mark in the league. I’m bullish on Doncic eventually reaching his MVP-level play from Dallas. If a showdown with Giannis gets him juiced up, the Lakers should be able to hang with the Bucks.