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Here's everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Bucks on Tuesday, Mar. 26 — our expert prediction and betting picks for tonight's game.
With the NBA playoffs right around the corner, this pivotal matchup between the Lakers and Bucks is significant for both teams.
Milwaukee has home-court advantage and LeBron James is sidelined, but is that enough to help the Bucks to cover a double-digit spread? Let's dig into the NBA odds and make a Lakers vs. Bucks pick.
Lakers vs. Bucks Odds
Tuesday, Mar. 26, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
| +9.5 -110 |
231.5 -110/-110 |
+340 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
| -9.5 -110 |
231.5 -110/-110 |
-440 |
Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NBA odds here.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers' season has been a rollercoaster, filled with brilliant flashes and disappointing lows. With an Offensive Rating that places it in the middle of the pack (16th), Los Angeles, bolstered by a seventh-ranked effective field goal percentage, has shown it can score.
However, the Lakers struggle with turnovers (20th) and offensive rebounding (30th), which highlights missed opportunities and a lack of second chances.
On the other end of the court, the Lakers are 15th in Defensive Rating, a respectable, but not dominant position. Los Angeles’ ability to limit opponents' free-throw opportunities (second in free-throw rate) is a bright spot, yet issues with forcing turnovers (24th) and a middling performance in defensive rebounding (16th) are vulnerabilities the Bucks could exploit.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks, on the other hand, have been a model of efficiency and effectiveness on offense. Their fifth ranked Offensive Rating is supported by superb shooting (fourth in eFG%) and strong ball security (eighth in turnover percentage), making them a formidable offensive unit.
However, their lower rank in offensive rebounding (26th) is a potential area for improvement.
On the defensive side, the Bucks are 16th in Defensive Rating with a particularly strong performance in eFG% allowed (10th), showcasing their ability to challenge shots effectively.
Despite a poor performance in forcing turnovers (30th), their prowess in defensive rebounding (seventh) helps mitigate second-chance points, a crucial factor in tight contests.
Lakers vs. Bucks
Betting Pick & Prediction
After considering the statistical trends of both teams and factoring in James' absence, taking the Bucks to cover -9.5 emerges as the most compelling bet for this game.
The Bucks' offensive efficiency, coupled with their ability to challenge shots and secure rebounds on the defensive end, positions them favorably against a Lakers team that has struggled with consistency.
Moreover, the Bucks' strength in minimizing turnovers and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities further tilts the odds in their favor, especially against a Lakers defense that has shown vulnerabilities in forcing turnovers and contesting shots effectively.
Pick: Bucks -9.5
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