The Milwaukee Bucks (53-9) visit Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (47-13) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 228 points with the game opening at a Pickem at local Online Sportsbooks.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Bucks will be hoping for a similar outcome after covering the 14.5-point spread against the Indiana Pacers in their last matchup, 119-100. The game’s combined points (219) came in just under the projected point total of 221. The Bucks knocked down 20 of their 22 free throws (90.9 percent) and held the Pacers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.5 (below their season average of 20.4). With 29 points on 10-for-23 shooting, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer from either team.
In the Lakers’ last game, they were victorious over the Philadelphia 76ers, 120-107, covering as 10-point favorites. The combined points for the game (227) were over the projected point total of 215. Los Angeles’ 12.2 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 13.8. The Lakers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.9. Anthony Davis was the top scorer from either team with 37 points on 13-for-19 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, the Lakers lost 111-104, unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. Davis led both teams with 36 points and also added 10 rebounds and five assists. The game finished with a total of 215 points, which was 12 points below the projected point total of 227 points. The Bucks had a better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 16.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.299 vs. 0.225).
Milwaukee comes into the contest with records of 53-9 straight up (SU) and 36-26 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Bucks have gone under the total 53.2 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 47-13 SU and 33-26-1 ATS. Lakers games also have a slight tendency to go under the total (51.7 percent).
This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Los Angeles ranks fifth in offensive efficiency and Milwaukee is first in defensive efficiency.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Milwaukee is 17-14 ATS on the road with 17 unders and 14 overs.
Los Angeles is 16-12-1 ATS at home with 16 unders and 13 overs.
Milwaukee and Los Angeles are both 16-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points.
The Lakers are 43-11 when they reach 100 points, while the Bucks are 52-8.
Milwaukee ranks third in fast break points per game (18.8) while Los Angeles ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (16.8).
The Lakers rank eighth in three pointers allowed per game (32.7) while the Bucks rank 29th (38.6).
Los Angeles ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Milwaukee ranks 19th (45.5).
The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.5) while the Bucks rank 18th (12.6).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in steals per game (8.6) while Milwaukee ranks 19th (7.4).
The Lakers rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while the Bucks rank 17th (16.8).
Los Angeles ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while Milwaukee ranks ninth (4.5).
The Bucks rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (38.6) while the Lakers rank eighth (46.2).
Los Angeles ranks fifth in assists per game (26.1) while Milwaukee ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (23.7).
In its last five outings, Milwaukee is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Bucks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 12.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 112.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).