by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET, Thursday, March 20, 2025
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: SPECSN
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Bucks -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Bucks -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Bucks -1.5, Lakers +1.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
Season Record
Milwaukee Bucks: 38-30 (3rd place, Central Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 42-25 (1st place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
Milwaukee Bucks: 5-5 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 6-4 last 10
Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Bucks are entering this game with a 38-30 record overall this season and they are 14-18 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 2 game losing streak with losses coming against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors. Kyle Kuzma led the team in points in that game with 22 while Giannis Antetokounmpo was next on the team with 20 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in assists in that game with 7 while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 39.2% from the field, 31.6% from 3-point range, and 70.4% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114.5 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 112.5 PPG against them. The Bucks have an ATS record of 32-35-2 this season and their O/U record is 34-35.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 42-25 record overall this season and they are 27-7 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 2 game winning streak with wins coming against the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, but this is also the 2nd game of a back-to-back for them with their game against the Denver Nuggets still to be played on Tuesday night. In their game against the Spurs, Austin Reaves led the team in points in that game with 30 while Luka Dončić was next on the team with 21 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 14 while Jaxson Hayes led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 48.9% from the field, 39.6% from 3-point range, and 75% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.4 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 38-28-1 this season and their O/U record is 32-35.
Bucks vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Bucks listed as a 1.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Bucks have looked good in their games this season with their 38-30 record overall which has them in the top half of the East and in a playoff spot. They haven't been a good road team though with their 14-18 road record. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 42-25 record overall which has them in the top half of the West and in a playoff spot. They have also looked great on their home court with their 27-7 home record this season. The Lakers have been rolling since acquiring Luka Doncic as they have been surging up the standings in the West, but now they are starting to cool off as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They have won 2 games in a row and have some momentum on their side, but they beat two teams with losing records in those games. They aren't in a great situation here either since they are playing this game on a back-to-back and still have a tough game against the Nuggets on Tuesday night. It doesn't help that they have been missing LeBron James from the lineup along with a few other players and will be banged up in this game. The Bucks have lost 2 games in a row now and are only 5-5 in their last 10 games, but they are going to be rested and are coming off a bad loss to the Warriors in their last one, a game that the Warriors were without Steph Curry in. The Bucks need a bounce back win badly so they are going to bring their best effort here for the Lakers, and they are catching them at a great time with this current situation. The best way to place a bet here is on the Bucks to cover the spread in this game.
Bucks Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Thursday, March 20, 2025 (10:30 pm ET start time) is Bucks 117 Lakers 110.
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NBA Betting Trends
Milwaukee Bucks: 13-23 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 24-34 ATS off a road loss. 15-8 OVER off an upset loss as a road favorite. 22-14 OVER when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%).
Los Angeles Lakers: 24-14 ATS as a home underdog. 11-5 1H ATS revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more. 17-10 OVER against Central division opponents. 50-36 OVER in non-conference games.
Key Injuries
Milwaukee Bucks: J. Sims (C) Out - Thumb.
Los Angeles Lakers: L. Dončić (PG) Day To Day - Ankle. T. Jemison III Day To Day - Illness. R. Hachimura (PF) Out - Knee. L. James (SF) Out - Leg. M. Kleber (PF) Out - Foot.
Notable Quotes
“We’ve got lots of experience with Steph. We know him well. He just needs a night off once in a while. He’s for sure earned it.” - Steve Kerr on resting Steph Curry in their win against the Bucks on Tuesday.
"I mean this guy just scored 30 in his fourth game in five days. That explains everything. He's an amazing player. For him to go undrafted is—unbelievable. It's not easy to go undrafted and then play at this level. It's amazing just to be by his side." - Luka Doncic on Austin Reaves after their win against the Spurs in their game on Monday.
Starting Lineups
Milwaukee Bucks
PG Damian Lillard
SG Taurean Prince
SF Kyle Kuzma
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
C Brook Lopez
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Jordan Goodwin
PF Jarred Vanderbilt
C Jaxson Hayes
Statistical Leaders
Milwaukee Bucks
PPG: G. Antetokounmpo (30.2)
APG: D. Lillard (7.1)
Reb/G: G. Antetokounmpo (12)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. Dončić (27.4)
APG: L. James (8.5)
Reb/G: L. Dončić (8.5)
Coaches:
Milwaukee Bucks: Doc Rivers (2nd season)
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
