The Los Angeles Lakers came through with a big win over the Nuggets on Wednesday, but can they deliver a second victory in as many days when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Milwaukee Bucks come to town tonight?
My Bucks vs Lakers predictions expect Luka Doncic to lead the Lakers to an upset victory at home.
Read my NBA picks to see why you should take the Over on Doncic’s combo prop on Thursday, March 20.
Bucks vs Lakers prediction
My best bet: Luka Doncic Over 48.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
With LeBron James out, the Los Angeles Lakers go as Luka Doncic goes, and with the way he’s been playing lately, LA is in a great position to pull off the home upset tonight.
Doncic has been on fire over his last eight, averaging 31 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He’s the first player in Lakers history to hit those averages in any eight-game stretch, putting him in rarefied air for such a storied franchise.
Doncic lit up the visiting Nuggets last night to the tune of 21 first-quarter points. The Lakers built a commanding lead through three quarters, and Doncic got a breather late, logging only 32 minutes and finishing with 47 PRA. Had the game been more competitive, he would have easily cleared this line.
Over his last eight, Doncic has hit the Over four times and posted 44, 45, 46, and 47 PRA in the other four. He posted a massive 45/11/3 line against the Milwaukee Bucks in a 20-point road loss a week ago. He sat out the next game against Denver, and since then, he’s led his team to three straight victories.
Doncic cleared 48.5 PRA in his first matchup with the Bucks as a Laker last week. In five prior games against Milwaukee as a Maverick, he hit the Over four times while averaging better than 50 PRA.
On the season, the Bucks have allowed opposing PGs to average 41.5 PRA, but they’ve allowed 44.6 across their last seven. Doncic has a monster usage rate, and he’ll be leaned on to score, rebound, and facilitate at an elite level once again. I expect tonight’s matchup to be far more competitive than last week’s blowout, and Doncic will be front and center.
Bucks vs Lakers same-game parlay
Luka Doncic Over 48.5 pts+reb+ast
Over 225.5
Lakers moneyline
The Bucks sport the 10th-best defensive rating this season at 112, and the Lakers are 12th at 112.7. Over the last five games, both defenses have taken a step back.
The Lakers’ offensive rating is 116.8 in that span, and the Bucks’ is 113.7. This is a low total, and with Doncic playing so well, Austin Reaves coming on and Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard bringing the firepower for Milwaukee, this is an easy Over.
The Lakers have won three straight, and I’m not betting on that streak ending tonight. LA is 28-7 straight up at home this season, including 6-2 as the home dog. The Lakers have won seven of 10 games on the second leg of a back-to-back set, and the team is 29-13 following a win.
The Bucks are just 14-18 straight up on the road and 11-8 as the road favorite. Milwaukee is 12-19-1 ATS on the road and 7-12 ATS as the road favorite. The Lakers have covered in 24 of 35 at home and six of eight as the home dog.
This is a small spread, and my best bet is taking the Lakers outright at plus-money odds.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Bucks vs Lakers odds
Bucks vs Lakers live odds
Bucks vs Lakers opening odds
- Spread: Milwaukee -2.5 (-115) | Los Angeles +2.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Milwaukee -150 | Los Angeles +125
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Bucks vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Milwaukee is 2-5 straight up and 3-4 ATS across its last seven.
- Los Angeles has covered in four straight.
- The Lakers have hit the Over in three of their last four.
Bucks vs Lakers trend
The Milwaukee Bucks have only hit the Moneyline in 44 of their last 86 games (-47.95 Units / -23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Lakers.
How to watch Bucks vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Thursday, 3-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet Los Angeles, FDSN-Wisconsin |
Bucks vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
