Lakers vs. Bucks Prediction and Odds: Bet the Bucks to Cover at Home

The Bucks and Lakers are two championship contenders struggling to find their identity in the lead-up to their matchup tonight. 

The Milwaukee Bucks are still trying to deal with the opening-night injury to Brook Lopez. The team has only had him for one game but with other injuries piling up, the Bucks need him to return soon as the reigning 2021 champions haven’t won a game in a week.

Likewise, injuries have hindered the L.A. Lakers early on in the season and they're barely over .500 with an 8-7 record.  LeBron James is currently out with abdominal issues and isn’t expected back until Friday. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, is dealing with a thumb issue and is listed as day-to-day. 

Here are the odds for this showdown of banged up contenders courtesy of WynnBET: 

Lakers vs. Bucks Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Lakers: +9.0 (-110)
• Bucks: -9.0 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Lakers: +320
• Bucks: -400

Total: 

• 217.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Lakers vs. Bucks Prediction and Pick

With all the injuries for both teams heading into this game, Anthony Davis will be the deciding factor of who wins and loses tonight. Davis has been the best player on the Lakers this season with an aging LeBron James missing time due to injury. Tonight, Davis will face one of his toughest opponents when he goes toe-to-toe with the Greek Freak. 

Both teams are still looking to find their grooves after slow starts to the season have soured public opinion on them. Despite a worse record, the Bucks are closer to playing like a complete team, but still lack Lopez’s presence down low. 

So, the big question is whether or not Davis can outplay and defend Giannis tonight. The Lakers could go with a big lineup to take advantage of Lopez’s absence but any duo of Davis, DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard on the court together produce negative +/- results. 

If Kris Middleton plays as expected he would significantly improve Milwaukee’s depth and scoring abilities. I’m willing to bet he suits up tonight and the Bucks send the Lakers to a .500 record. 

Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks -9.0 (-110)