milwaukee bucks 122 vs los angeles lakers 123
ANALYSIS
The soaring Bucks fly to Los Angeles to take on the struggling Lakers under the nation’s bright lights, as LA shifts their focus after LeBron James’s historic accomplishment. The Bucks have had the Lakers’ number the past five years, winning 7 out of 10 matchups. This is the final time the two will face off this season, with the Lakers defeating the Bucks, December 2nd, in Milwaukee 133-129, led by Anthony Davis with 44 points.
All eyes on the Lakers (25-30) is nothing new for LA, but the reasoning behind it is. The Lakers have been near the bottom of the Western Conference for the better part of two years now, with plenty of negative media attention to go along with the on-court struggles. Besides LeBron James being the sports world’s biggest story the past few days, the Lakers made more headlines by acquiring former Timberwolves’ D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team trade, parting ways with point guard Russell Westbrook. They are currently sitting as the 13 seed, hoping this move boosts them into a playoff position. James is having yet another stellar season, averaging 30.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, as well as 7.0 assists a night, along with co-star Anthony Davis putting up 26.7 points and 11.9 rebounds a game.
The Bucks (37-17) are red-hot winning eight in a row, 9 of their last 10, and averaging 124.5 points a night during that stretch. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up more MVP-like numbers posting 32.2 points and 12.4 rebounds, along with 5.3 assists per night. The Bucks have a phenomenal supporting cast led by 2023 all star, Jrue Holiday. Milwaukee continues to fight for the top seed in the east, trailing Boston by only a game and a half.
WHY BET ON THE milwaukee bucks
The Bucks have the sixth best defense away from home this season, allowing 112.65 points a night. This goes hand in hand with the under hitting in 68% of Bucks’ road games. Milwaukee is 10-4 as road favorites, but are only 7-5-1 ATS this season.
WHY BET ON THE los angeles lakers
The Lakers are 7-7 as home underdogs this season, while going 8-5-1 ATS. The total has gone under in 5 of the last 7 Lakers' games at home. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, but 7-2 ATS in their last 9 against Eastern Conference opponents.