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NBA Best Bets for Friday March 6, 2020 – ESPN Predictions, Bucks at Lakers

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
4 minute read

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Vegas Expert Pick and Betting Tips

Get your popcorn ready! The two best teams in the league will meet in a potential NBA Finals preview on Friday Night in LA when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Lakers are riding high coming into this game with wins in nine of their last ten games, while the Bucks have won eight of their last ten. Milwaukee is 53-9 with a nine-game lead on Toronto for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers are 47-13 with a five-game lead on the Clippers heading into this tilt.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks    
Date and Time:  Friday, March 6, 2020, 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
NBA Betting Online Odds at BetMGM: Los Angeles -1.5, O/U 227.5
Lakers vs. Bucks TV Coverage: ESPN

Bet Now (IN, NJ, PA & WV only)
Odds Subject to Change (T&C's Apply, 21+)

Giannis and LeBron Square Off for the Last Time in the Regular Season on Friday Night

The Lakers are slight favorites over the Bucks on Friday night, but that advantage can be attributed to home court. LA has one of the best arenas in basketball, so the Lakers receive an extra 3 or 3.5 points from oddsmakers at home.
 
In the only other meeting between these teams this season, Milwaukee outlasted the Lakers 111-104 after a strong first half that saw the Bucks enter halftime up 65-46. Anthony Davis didn’t take part in that game though due to injury, so the Lakers are looking for a different result.

Los Angeles Lakers Current Form

Since the All-Star Break, the Lakers have only lost one game. They fell on the road against Memphis last week, as the offense laid an egg with just 88 points in the defeat. The Lakers shot 41.4 percent from the floor in the loss, while Ja Morant was stellar for the Grizzlies with 27 points and 14 assists in 34 minutes on the court.

Milwaukee Bucks Current Form

The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games since the All-Star Break, and they have defeated four probable playoff teams in that stretch. It’s easier to win in the East than in the West, but Milwaukee has shown it can beat whoever this season with a 19-4 record against Western Conference opponents.

Lakers to Watch

LeBron James is having another sensational season. James no longer carries his team on his back night in and night out in his 16th year in the NBA, instead finding other ways to lead his team to wins. He leads the league with 10.7 APG, but he has shown he can channel the LeBron of old when the need arises. We saw that on Sunday night in New Orleans when James led the Lakers to a win behind 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists with Anthony Davis out.
 
Davis’ addition this offseason instantly made the Lakers the favorites to win the NBA title. It didn’t take long for him to develop chemistry with LeBron, and opposing defenses know how much of a nightmare it is to play this team. Both big men are incredibly athletic and versatile, and that poses plenty of problems.

Bucks to Watch

Giannis Antetokuonmpo is a massive favorite to be named MVP for the second straight season. He is currently -1000 at BetMGM to repeat as the league MVP, and his play has been remarkable. The Greek Freak is averaging 29.6 PPG and 13.8 RPG, but he struggles to hit threes and freebies. He is making just 30.9 percent of his threes and 63 percent of his free throws this season.
 
The emergence of Khris Middleton has turned the Bucks into a real contender. Middleton is receiving plenty of open looks as defenses aim to shut down Giannis, and he is making the most of his chances. He is knocking down 50.4 percent of his field goals and 43 percent of his threes, while contributing in other areas too.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Selection Summary

It’s not easy to win as a visiting team in the Staples Center, but the Bucks have what it takes to get it done.

Lakers vs. Bucks Free Pick and Score Projection

Milwaukee Bucks +1.5
Milwaukee 118, Los Angeles 111

Bet Now (IN, NJ, PA & WV only)
Odds Subject to Change (T&C's Apply, 21+)

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