The league’s top scoring team will be at home in Fiserv Forum, when the Milwaukee Bucks (24-4) square off with the Los Angeles Lakers (24-4). The game can be seen on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
Both teams lost as favorites in their last matchup. The Bucks (10-point favorites) were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 120-116, while the Lakers (2.5-point favorites) fell to the Indiana Pacers, 105-102. The Milwaukee game finished 9 points over the projected point total of 227, while the Los Angeles game went 2 points under the projected point total of 209.
Los Angeles had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8 (above their season average of 23.8) while Milwaukee had a turnover percentage of 6.5 (better than their season average of 12.4). Giannis Antetokounmpo had a good game for Milwaukee, contributing 48 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, LeBron James was a key piece for Los Angeles with 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
The Bucks dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, Milwaukee won 115-101. The Bucks’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Lakers. Milwaukee had a rate of 26.1, while Los Angeles posted a mark of 16.0. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Vegas is known to set the total high when the Lakers are playing, as 57.1 percent of their games have finished under the O/U total. Los Angeles holds records of 24-4 straight up (SU) and 16-12 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Los Angeles, Bucks games have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (57.1 percent). Additionally, Milwaukee owns records of 24-4 SU and 15-13 ATS.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Milwaukee (second in the league with an offensive efficiency of 113.4) takes on the elite defense of Los Angeles (third in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 101.3). Furthermore, the Lakers, who rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.185), will go head-to-head against the Bucks, who rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.174).
Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bucks lead the NBA with 39.0 points allowed in the paint per game while the Lakers are fifth with 43.4 points allowed in the paint per game.
- Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points per game (19.5) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (15.5).
- The Bucks rank third in steals allowed per game (6.7) while the Lakers rank 18th (8.1).
- Los Angeles ranks sixth in assists per game (26.3) while Milwaukee ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (24.2).
- Los Angeles ranks first in blocks per game (7.1) while Milwaukee ranks seventh (5.8).
- The Bucks rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.4) while the Lakers rank 23rd (30.4).
- The Lakers average 18.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Bucks rank 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1).
- Milwaukee allows the fewest second chance points per game (10.8) while Los Angeles ranks fourth (11.5).
- Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (41.4) while Milwaukee ranks 20th (46.1).
- Los Angeles is 10-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Milwaukee is 6-0.
- The Bucks are 24-4 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 20-4.
- Milwaukee is 8-7 ATS at home, while Los Angeles is 8-8 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 9 of the Bucks’ 15 home games, while 9 of the Lakers’ 16 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bucks are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Milwaukee has 4 overs and 1 under, while Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 121.0 points per game (matching their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
- The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 9.0 for the season.
