The Los Angeles Lakers (33-41) challenge the Milwaukee Bucks (40-35) at Staples Center. The game will air on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 30, 2018.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Prediction
The Bucks will be hoping for a similar result after defeating the Golden State Warriors in their last contest, 116-107. The Bucks held the Warriors to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.5 (below their season average of 21.5). The Warriors also had a turnover percentage of 18.1 (above their season average of 13.8). With 32 points on 14-for-18 shooting, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Lakers’ last game, they were victorious over the Dallas Mavericks, 103-93. The Lakers had a superb free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.185) and held the Mavericks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 18.0). Brook Lopez was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
This contest should be a battle of conflicting styles. Los Angeles has preferred a fast-paced style of play (first in possessions per game), while Milwaukee has been slower-paced (26th in possessions per game).
Milwaukee heads into the game with records of 40-35 straight up (SU) and 30-39-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 74 games with betting action, 39 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 33-41 SU and 39-34-1 ATS. Of the Lakers’ 74 games, 39 have finished over the total.
Julius Randle and Kyle Kuzma have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Randle has averaged 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Kuzma has put up 21.0 points and 8.4 rebounds a game during that span.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 33 points and the Bucks beat the Lakers 98-90, covering as 6.5-point favorites. He also recorded 15 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 188 points, which was 30.5 points below the projected point total of 218.5 points. Milwaukee had a much better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 18.9). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.297 vs. 0.259).
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Milwaukee is 18-16-2 ATS with 19 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
At home, Los Angeles is 20-15 ATS with 18 unders and 17 overs.
When allowing less than 100 points, Milwaukee is 16-5 and Los Angeles is 13-4.
The Bucks are 34-18 when they score over 100 points, while the Lakers are 30-27.
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.3) while Milwaukee ranks last (39.4).
The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.2) while the Bucks rank 28th (10.4).
Milwaukee averages 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
The Bucks rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while the Lakers rank 26th (5.5).
Milwaukee ranks eighth in points in the paint per game (46.6) while Los Angeles ranks 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.6).
The Bucks average 8.7 steals per game, which ranks third in the league. The Lakers rank 21st in steals allowed per game (8.1).
Milwaukee ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while Los Angeles ranks 20th (12.7).
The Lakers rank 15th in three pointers attempted per game (29.1) while the Bucks rank 25th (24.6).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (23.8) while Milwaukee ranks 15th in assists allowed per game (23.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Los Angeles is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bucks have outscored opponents by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Milwaukee has been defeated by an average of 0.2 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 106.8 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
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