by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, March 13, 2025
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Where to Watch: TNT, MAX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Lakers +5.5, Bucks -5.5; Over/Under: 226.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Lakers +5.5, Bucks -5.5; Over/Under: 226.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Lakers +5.5, Bucks -5.5; Over/Under: 226.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Lakers: 40-23 (1st place, Pacific Division)
Milwaukee Bucks: 36-28 (2nd place, Central Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers: 8-2 last 10
Milwaukee Bucks: 6-4 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Analysis
The Lakers are entering this game with a 40-23 record overall this season and they are 15-16 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 Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. Gabe Vincent led the team in points in that game with 24 while Luka Dončić was next on the team with 22 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 12 while Luka Dončić led the team in rebounds with 12. They were 43.5% from the field, 47.5% from 3-point range, and 78.9% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 112.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.1 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 35-27-1 this season and their O/U record is 29-34.
The Bucks are entering this game with a 36-28 record overall this season and they are 21-11 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game losing streak with losses coming against the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers. Brook Lopez led the team in points in that game with 23 while Giannis Antetokounmpo was next on the team with 19 points. Damian Lillard led the team in assists in that game with 11 while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in rebounds with 17. They were 51.2% from the field, 38.9% from 3-point range, and 73.7% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 112.5 PPG against them. The Bucks have an ATS record of 30-33-2 this season and their O/U record is 32-33.
Lakers vs Bucks Prediction
The current betting odds have the Bucks listed as a 5.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Bucks have looked good in their games this season with their 36-28 record overall which has them in the top half of the East and in a playoff spot. They have also looked good on their home court with their 21-11 home record this season. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 40-23 record overall which has them right near the top of the West and in a playoff spot. They haven't been a good road team though with their 15-16 road record. They have looked a lot better as a team since acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade, but now they are dealing with some injuries, including an injury to LeBron James, and that is going to hurt them here. They have been really hot as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games, but they have lost 2 games in a row now and the Bucks can take advantage of them while they are banged up. The Bucks haven't looked as good lately as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have lost 3 games in a row now, but they are coming off a really tight road loss to the Pacers by 1 point and will be looking to bounce back here. The Bucks are in desperate need of a win after losing 3 games in a row and this is a great opportunity for them at home to beat up on an injured Lakers team that hasn't been at their best in their last 2 games. The best way to place a bet here is on the Bucks to cover the spread in this game.
Lakers Bucks Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Thursday, March 13, 2025 (7:30 pm ET start time) is Bucks 116 Lakers 105.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 4-8 ATS off an upset loss as a road favorite. 5-9 ATS on the road after a loss by 6 points or less. 16-10 OVER against Central division opponents. 8-4 OVER off an upset loss as a road favorite. 25-18 OVER after 2 or more consecutive losses.
Milwaukee Bucks: 5-0 ATS at home off a road loss against a division rival. 35-26 ATS at home when playing against a team with a winning record. 9-3 OVER off an upset loss to a division rival as a favorite. 21-14 OVER when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%).
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers: D. Finney-Smith (PF) Day To Day - Ankle J. Hayes (C) Day To Day - Knee. L. James (SF) Out - Leg. R. Hachimura (PF) Out - Knee. M. Kleber (PF) Out - Foot.
Milwaukee Bucks: T. Smith (PF) Day To Day - Back. C. Livingston (SF) Day To Day - Illness.
Notable Quotes
"I think it was a very low-level communication game for our team. I don't think being short-handed is an excuse for how we played basketball tonight." - JJ Redick after his team’s loss against the Nets in their game on Monday.
“No, we’ve seen it. We’ve worked on it. We just lost him. That’s on us. There was no reason to switch and we just did. He was open the whole play and so there was miscommunication there. I always think that’s on me and on my staff, not on our guys, and we’ll have to figure it out because that’s a play that should never happen.” - Doc Rivers after his team’s loss against the Pacers in their game on Tuesday.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Jordan Goodwin
PF Jarred Vanderbilt
C Jaxson Hayes
Milwaukee Bucks
PG Damian Lillard
SG Taurean Prince
SF Kyle Kuzma
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
C Brook Lopez
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. Dončić (26.9)
APG: L. James (8.5)
Reb/G: L. Dončić (8.4)
Milwaukee Bucks
PPG: G. Antetokounmpo (30.7)
APG: D. Lillard (7.1)
Reb/G: G. Antetokounmpo (12.1)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Milwaukee Bucks: Doc Rivers (2nd 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.
