There’s nothing like a star-studded Friday night in Hollywood, as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
The Bucks (16–21, 11th East) have won four of six games since Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a calf strain, but they’ll look to get their West Coast trip back on track after Wednesday’s loss to the Warriors. Meanwhile, the Lakers (23–12, 5th West) have also won four of their last six and return home after getting blown out in San Antonio on Wednesday night.
The teams first met on Nov. 15 in Milwaukee, where the Lakers rolled to a 24-point rout.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Milwaukee Bucks
- OUT: Taurean Prince (Neck)
Los Angeles Lakers
- OUT: Rui Hachimura (Calf), Austin Reaves (Calf), Adou Thiero (MCL)
- PROBABLE: LeBron James (Old)
Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Los Angeles enters as a 3.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Milwaukee sits as a +130 underdog. The game’s total is set at 229.5 points.
Bucks vs. Lakers Preview
Milwaukee Bucks Preview
Amid swirling trade speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks on Thursday, telling The Athletic that he’d “never” request a trade. And given his recent form, he’s not just talking the talk.
The former two-time MVP is averaging 31.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in six games since returning from injury — reviving a team that, without him, seemed destined for a rebuild.
Alongside strong contributions from Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, the 2021 NBA champs have resurfaced as a top-ten team with Giannis back on the floor. They’ve won four of six games while boasting the NBA’s fourth-best offense in that span.
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
Even without Austin Reaves, the Lakers have held strong in a highly competitive Western Conference, with superstar guard Luka Doncic steadying the ship. He might not have asked for the Hollywood spotlight, but he’s embraced it every step of the way — averaging an NBA-leading 33.7 points, along with 8.8 assists and eight rebounds per game.
Still, LA’s glossy record masks some serious cracks beneath the surface, particularly on the defensive end. The Lakers own the NBA’s fourth-worst defensive rating since Dec. 1, coverage so nonexistent that it has prompted head coach JJ Redick to openly question his team’s effort.
Bucks vs. Lakers Pick, Best Bet
The Lakers can’t even contain bench players — and now they’re tasked with stopping a freight train. While the Luka Doncic-led offense won’t go down without a fight, expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to bulldoze through LA’s plodding pressure and lead the Bucks to their fifth win in eight games.
