Lakers vs. Bucks: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks
NBA fans will be getting a potential 2021 NBA Finals preview on Thursday night as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.
The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on TNT.
The Lakers (11-4) will put their perfect 7-0 road record to the ultimate test on Thursday, facing a Bucks (9-5) team that has had one of the best home records in the NBA over the past two seasons (69-14), and both sides are looking to rebound from a loss.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Bucks -1.5
Money line: Bucks -120 / Lakers +100
Over-under: 228.5
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NBA Team Payrolls: See where the Lakers and Bucks rank
Advice and prediction
There are solid reasons to bet against each team on Thursday. One of the biggest questions facing the Lakers: What’s up with Anthony Davis? Davis’ scoring is down five points per game from last season, and his rebounding, block and steal totals have dipped as well. The Lakers need Davis to rediscover his bubble form.
The Bucks, meanwhile, are 3-4 against 2020 Playoff teams and 6-1 against everyone else. Milwaukee is just 2-5 against the spread against those same playoff teams, and 6-8 ATS overall.
I’m staying away from the spread entirely, though the Lakers moneyline is good value if you’re bullish on their chances. Instead, I’m eyeing an Under 228.5 bet. After starting the season 7-2 on over bets, the Bucks have cooled offensively, and the under has cashed in four of their last five games. The under has cashed in 10 of the Lakers last 13.
Prediction: Bucks 113, Lakers 109
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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