Lakers vs Bucks Prediction: LeBron-Less Lakers Face 6-Point Spread Against Struggling Bucks (March 13)
The Milwaukee Bucks (36-28) host the Los Angeles Lakers (40-23) on March 13 at 7:30 pm ET from Fiserv Forum, with TNT broadcasting the matchup between two top-4 teams looking to end their recent struggles.
Lakers coach talks with LeBron James
Key Injuries & Lines:
- Lakers missing: LeBron James (groin), Jaxson Hayes (knee), Rui Hachimura (knee)
- Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable
- Bucks probable: Damian Lillard (groin), Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf)
- Spread: Bucks -6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Lakers +180
- Total: 225.5 (-110)
Notable Player Props:
- Luka Doncic: 30.5 points, 8.5 assists
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 29.5 points, 12.5 rebounds
- Damian Lillard: 24.5 points
- Austin Reaves: 22.5 points
Recent Form:
- Lakers lost to Brooklyn 111-108 despite strong bench performance
- Bucks dropped three straight, averaging just 107.7 points
- Lakers have NBA's best defense since Feb 1 (107.9 ppg allowed)
Betting Analysis:
- Lakers are 15-10-1 ATS as underdogs (top-6 in NBA)
- Bucks struggling as favorites (21-23-1 ATS)
- Lakers won 3 of last 4 head-to-head matchups
- Over hit in 4 of last 5 meetings
Best Bets:
- Lakers +6 (-110): Strong ATS record as underdogs and recent head-to-head success
- Doncic Over 8.5 assists (+110): Increased ball-handling responsibility without LeBron
- Over consideration given recent head-to-head trends
Despite missing LeBron James, the Lakers' defensive prowess and Doncic's potential MVP-caliber performance make them an attractive underdog play against a struggling Bucks team.