Game Details
Milwaukee Bucks (39-30 SU, 33-34-2 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-25 SU, 39-28-1 ATS)
Date/Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 10:30 PM ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
TV: ESPN
Betting Odds (via BetMGM)
Point Spread: Bucks -4.5 (-105) / Lakers +4.5 (-115)
Money Line: Bucks -170 / Lakers +140
Over/Under Total: 226.5 (o -105 / u -115)
Game Overview
The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers meet Thursday night in a compelling cross-conference battle at Crypto.com Arena. The Bucks are slight road favorites despite some key injuries, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard listed as probable. Meanwhile, the Lakers are dealing with fatigue as they play on the second night of a back-to-back and their third game in four nights.
The spread has been moving toward Milwaukee despite balanced action on both sides — a possible sign of sharp money backing the Bucks. This game also has playoff positioning implications, with Milwaukee aiming to stay in the top five in the East and Los Angeles looking to solidify their hold on a top-three seed in the West.
Head-to-Head and Recent Trends
Last 10 Meetings: 5-5 SU, 4-6 ATS, 5-5 O/U
Most Recent Matchup: Milwaukee 126-106 (covered as -6 favorites; over 226.5)
Bucks have won 3 of the last 4 meetings SU
Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 meetings
Key Matchups and Analysis
🔥 Milwaukee's Offense vs. Lakers' Defense
Milwaukee ranks 7th in FG% (47.9%), while Los Angeles holds opponents to 45.9% shooting (8th).
Bucks shoot 38.3% from three (2nd in the league), while the Lakers allow 34.8% (3rd).
Bucks struggle at the line (75.2% FT – 28th), which could be critical in a close game.
💪 Lakers' Offensive Load on Doncic
Luka Doncic has been carrying the offense with LeBron James (leg) and Rui Hachimura (knee) out. Doncic dropped 31 points in his last outing.
The Lakers' supporting cast has been inconsistent — Reaves and Finney-Smith are stepping up, but the frontcourt lacks depth without LeBron and Kleber.
🚑 Injury Impact
Bucks: Giannis and Lillard are expected to play but are dealing with knee and groin issues, respectively.
Lakers: LeBron is OUT, and Hachimura remains questionable — leaving the Lakers shorthanded and fatigued.
📊 Situational Angle
Lakers are on the second night of a back-to-back and third game in four nights — a classic fade spot.
Bucks are 23-12 SU at home but only 14-18 on the road.
🔎 Betting Pick and Prediction
The Bucks are the sharper side here. The spread is moving toward Milwaukee despite balanced action, suggesting sharp money backing the Bucks. The Lakers’ back-to-back spot and injury situation are tough to overcome, especially without LeBron. Giannis and Lillard, even if not at 100%, should exploit a tired Lakers defense.
👉 Pick: Bucks -4.5
👉 Prediction: Bucks 118, Lakers 110
