The Milwaukee Bucks (24-4) were proven to be mortal last time out in having an 18-game win streak snapped on their home court with a 120-116 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. They’ll host the Los Angeles Lakers (24-4) Thursday at Fiserv Forum for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off.
We analyze the Lakers-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Thursday Night NBA New Jersey Prop Bet!
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Lakers at Bucks: Key injuries
Lakers
- C Anthony Davis (ankle) questionable
- PF Kyle Kuzma (ankle) out
- PG Rajon Rondo (hamstring) probable
Bucks
- PF Dragan Bender (ankle) out
- PG Eric Bledsoe (leg) out
Lakers at Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Bucks 122, Lakers 114
NBA Prop Bet
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Moneyline (ML)
The Lakers and Bucks lead the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. LA is also coming off a loss, falling 105-102 on the road to the Indiana Pacers Tuesday. It’ll play its final game of a five-game road swing through the East. The Bucks will have a slight rest advantage after losing to the Mavs Monday.
The absence of Davis for the Lakers (+155) was too much for them to overcome against the Pacers and it’ll be even more of an issue against the interior scoring of the Bucks (53.4 points per game in the paint). Lakers C Dwight Howard dropped 20 points Tuesday, but a 10-for-10 performance from the field can’t be expected often. Take the BUCKS (-189) to win at home.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bucks to win outright returns a profit of $5.30.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Get better value on the BUCKS (-5.5, +105) on the spread against the undermanned Lakers (+5.5, -128). Milwaukee is 15-13 against the spread overall and 8-7 at home, Los Angeles is 16-12 ATS overall but just 8-8 on the road. The Lakers have been on the road for a week, and they’ll be looking ahead to Sunday’s home date against the Denver Nuggets.
All but two of the Bucks’ 18 straight wins had come by margins greater than the 6 points by which they’ll need to win Thursday.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the OVER 224.5 (-128) the Bucks will have their way on the inside against the Lakers without Kuzma and potentially without Davis once again. Milwaukee hit the Over in each of its last four games, while scoring at least 125 points in the first three of those games.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Esten’s NBA betting record: 104-72
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