Two Underperforming Juggernauts Battle it out on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) and the Milwaukee Bucks (6-8) have been arguably the most disappointing teams in the NBA so far this season. Milwaukee is coming off of an NBA Finals victory and had aspirations of returning in 2021-2022. The Lakers were tabbed as the Western Conference favorites prior to the season beginning.
However, both teams have greatly underperformed through the early portion of the campaign. While some of their struggles can be chalked up to injuries, there are still legitimate concerns on both sides. On the bright side, there is still plenty of time to figure things out.
The Bucks host the Lakers in Milwaukee on Wednesday at 7:30 PM EST. Let’s take a look at the game preview and see who we think can right the ship in this affair.
Betting Analysis for Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Stats & Analysis
Anthony Davis said it best in an interview following the Lakers’ recent loss to the Bulls on Monday, as the big man stated that the Lakers “suck” right now. While this may not be the journalistic adjective you were expecting, it certainly gets the point across about where the Lakers are at right now.
However, they have not been as bad as their season has been made out to be. Despite being without LeBron James for the majority of the campaign up to this point, Los Angeles has continued to tread water and sits at a respectable 8-7 record. James is expected to return on Friday against the Celtics, which will provide a much-needed boost to the team.
The Lakers’ main struggles have come on the defensive end and in the rebounding department. But these problems were expected given the average age of the roster as they feature the oldest roster in the NBA. Expecting them to out-hustle younger opponents on a consistent basis is simply unrealistic.
But they have been solid on offense.
Anthony Davis has led the way, while Carmelo Anthony has had a number of impressive scoring performances to open the year. Russell Westbrook is still figuring things out in LA, but he has shown some signs of life as of late.
If the Lakers can find a way to limit Giannis Antetokoumpo on Wednesday, they could give themselves an opportunity to defeat Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Stats & Analysis
Khris Middleton is expected to return after missing eight games due to Covid. His presence will be a welcomed sight as the Bucks currently sit under .500 on the season. While Giannis has continued to play well, getting their second star back should spark a turnaround for the defending champions.
Milwaukee has lost their last two games in a row and is coming off of a brutal 120-100 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. The offense has performed decently as of late, but the defensive effort has been lackluster. Opposing teams are averaging just over 107 points against the Bucks on their home court.
Head Coach Mike Budenholzer has stated that he wants to see a higher level of intensity on the defensive end.
Typically, a matchup against the Lakers would not be favorable when you are trying to get back on track. But with LA’s underwhelming play over the past week, this could be the perfect matchup for the Bucks to regain some confidence.
With a struggling opponent and Middleton expected to rejoin the rotation, the Bucks are in a tremendous position to pull out the victory on Wednesday at home.
Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Betting Trends
The Lakers are 4-9-1 ATS over their last 14 games on the road. They are also just 2-5 ATS in their last seven matchups as an underdog and 5-13 ATS over the course of their last 18 games.
Milwaukee is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games, where they are favored to win. However, they are 3-7 ATS over their last ten games and 0-4 ATS in their last four home matchups.
Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Betting Odds
Best odds has the Bucks as 7.5-point favorites in this game.
Bovada, Betonline, and BetUS have yet to release their odds for this matchup.
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How to bet on: Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks – Betting lines
With two teams desperate for a win, this figures to be a competitive game. While the initial spread is lopsided in favor of Milwaukee, expect the Lakers to fight and make a game out of it.
Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis are capable of producing impressive numbers at any given moment, and both have the tools to lead the Lakers to victory. They will need a strong defensive effort in this one if they hope to contain Giannis, Middleton, and the Bucks.
Even with the slow start to the season, Milwaukee remains confident. They are still the reigning NBA champions, and they are extremely aware of how talented of a team they truly are. Expect Middleton’s return to jumpstart this entire team on Wednesday.
The Bucks should be able to take care of business in Milwaukee.
OBS Betting Picks for Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks NBA
The Lakers simply don’t have the defensive talent necessary to contain this Bucks offense. I believe this game will be closer than the odds indicate because of their offensive attack, but even if LA is able to post 110 points, there is a strong chance that Milwaukee will post 115.
Realistically, who on the Lakers is capable of stopping Giannis? The Lakers don’t want Anthony Davis focusing purely on defense and limiting Giannis because that could negatively affect his offensive mindset. And even if the Lakers are able to limit Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Jrue Holiday have the ability to step up and lead the offense.
Take the Bucks at -7.5
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