Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Nov. 17, 2021

Eytan Shander
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Things have not been good at home for the Bucks as they look to improve against an LA team still down one its most important players. LeBron James could miss his eighth straight game as the Lakers are in Milwaukee Wednesday night for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip on ESPN.

Score Prediction

Bucks 122, Lakers 119

Best Bets

Lakers +7.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Predictions

Both teams are coming off losses, it’s just looked worse for the Bucks because it’s now a theme at home. LA comes in still uncertain about LeBron James’ status – and will most likely start Carmelo Anthony. The return of Talen Hornton-Tucker has been a shot in the whole side of the Lakers body, as he shined once again in their most recent game. The return of Khris Middleton for the Bucks is a little bigger of a shot, but both teams should look a little sharper on offense.

The frontcourt battle will be of the most importance as Anthony Davis – probably with a thumb injury – will face off against Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game will be won or lost based on which superstar has the better night.

Of course, other players will still have a say in the result, so the supporting cast of Russ Westbrook and THT are vital – as the Lakers seem to be top-heavy no matter who the top scorers are each night.

The Bucks getting Middleton back presents a tough matchup for wings on LA, and Jrue Holiday will be charged with slowing down Westbrook. Star versus star Wednesday night in Milwaukee means the Lakers will keep it close enough to cover that larger number.

There are a couple of wild cards in this game – like Grayson Allen for the Bucks who stepped up his scoring while starters were out and Melo for the Lakers. It’s just been a rough stretch for the home team as the Bucks cannot buy a win at home. Milwaukee has dropped two straight games overall and their last four straight at home.

While injury and COVID played a role in a diminished roster – Brook Lopez continues to sit – they haven’t played well defensively in their own arena. That is a huge issue that the Lakers will exploit just enough to stay in this game. Not having LeBron James for seven straight games hasn’t been the kiss of death for the Lakers, but instead a chance for younger – and even some older – talent to shine.

The Lakers added some depth up front with Dwight Howard but also getting quality bench minutes from Malik Monk. It still comes down to Davis dominating in the post and stretching his opponent, and Westbrook taking over the game on the perimeter – even if it’s not just shooting the ball. Holiday and Westbrook should battle for rebounds, and points will come, but the better facilitator is going to be a huge difference-maker.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Resources

Matchup: Pacific vs. Central
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Venue: Fiserv Forum
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV-Time: ESPN - 7:30 p.m. ET

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 8-7
ATS: 5-10
O/U: 9-6

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

SU: 6-8
ATS: 6-8
O/U: 4-10

Giannis leads the way with 26.5 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 6 APG. He’s shooting 49 percent from the field. Middleton is normally the second-leading scorer with 20 PPG. His absence meant more production for Grayson Allen, who’s scoring 16 PPG off 45 percent shooting. Jrue Holiday missed time but is at 14.3 PPG on 40 percent shooting, adding 5.8 APG. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are the last two Bucks averaging double-figures.

The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in four straight home games. (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-Head

The first matchup between these two teams will be Wednesday night in Milwaukee. The Lakers opened up a 5-game road trip going 1-2, hoping to change their fortunes after their most recent loss in Atlanta. Meanwhile the Bucks dropped two straight heading into this game.

Key Players to Watch

LAL: Anthony Davis - C (242 ppg, 10.9 rpg)
LAL: Russell Westbrook - PG (19.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 8.3 apg)
MIL: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF (26.5 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 6 apg)
MIL: Khris Middleton - SF (20 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.5 apg)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Conclusion

Milwaukee gets Middleton back which is huge, and they’ve been seeing an increased role for Holiday. That is ultimately the difference in this game as we are still too early to rely on Lakers trends without LeBron. Expect a big one from Giannis, he can cover a lot of ground on the floor especially down low.

The big forces for both teams will be out, but we just don’t know if Middleton will be on a minutes restriction coming back from COVID. We do know that Hornton- Tucker has taken over and filled any void left by the Lakers missing James. It’s enough to keep this game closer than eight points.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends

Milwaukee has failed to cover the spread in four straight home games.
Milwaukee has won eight of its last 10 home games when facing the Lakers.
Milwaukee has gone UNDER the point total in seven straight home games.

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