In most professional sports, it takes a team effort to win on a consistent basis. That said, the addition or subtraction of one elite player can very often be the difference between winning and losing. The Bulls may not have been the team that they were without Michael Jordan, and in the modern day NBA, wherever LeBron James has gone, success has quickly followed. You need only look at the Cleveland Cavaliers this season to see how far they have fallen after losing James in the offseason.
With all of that in mind, the perception was that the LA Lakers would be a whole lot better this season with LeBron in the fold, but it has not worked out that way. Yes, they were in good shape before losing James to an extended injury, but they have not been able to bounce back after his return. All is not well in LA right now, and it is likely to get even worse, as the Lakers are about to take on the best team in the NBA on Tuesday night. The Milwaukee Bucks will start this one as a rather hefty double-digit favorite.
Lakers vs Bucks NBA Betting Lines, Expert Analysis & Pick
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) 19 de marzo de 2019
- When: Tuesday, March 19 at 8 PM EST
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
- TV: NBATV
- Radio: Los Angeles / Milwaukee
- Live Stream: NBA League Pass
- NBA Odds: Bucks -13 (-105)
Why bet on the LA Lakers?
There can be no denying the impact that LeBron James has had on the NBA since his arrival, so it is perhaps a little unfair to suggest that he is solely responsible for the demise of the Lakers over the past few months. This is a team that was sitting up in the #4 spot in the Western Conference for a decent stretch, but who are now just a loss or two away from being officially eliminated from playoff contention.
They come into this one having gone just 2-8 in their last 10 games and are now 13-23 on the road. Perhaps more importantly, though, they are 12-24 versus teams with a winning record. The Lakers have lost each of their last 4 meetings with the Bucks, including a 131-120 defeat to them earlier this season. LA are 9-8 ATS as a road dog.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 111.93
- Field Goals: 47.40%
- Three Points: 32.99%
- Free Throws: 69.245
- Rebounds: 46.07
- Average Score Against: 113.99
- Field Goals: 45.34%
- Three Points: 35.28%
- Free Throws: 78.95%
- Rebounds: 47.03
Why bet on the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks have been nothing short of brilliant this season, posting a 52-18 record, which just happens to be the best in the NBA. They have, though, not been as dominant of late, losing their last game to go 6-4 in their last 10. It may well have something to do with the fact that Giannis is nursing a bit of an injury, which is one that might leave him on the bench for tonight. That is certainly something that you should be paying attention to before you place any type of wager on this game.
The Bucks do continue to dominate on home court, going 27-6 SU in their own building. They have feasted on sub-.500 teams, going 30-8 in those outings. As a home favorite, the Bucks are 18-13-1 ATS.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Average Score For: 117.67
- Field Goals: 47.67%
- Three Points: 35.07%
- Free Throws: 77.35%
- Rebounds: 49.31
- Average Score Against: 108.59
- Field Goals: 43.39%
- Three Points: 35.84%
- Free Throws: 73.66%
- Rebounds: 44.89
Lakers vs Bucks NBA Betting Trends
- LA Lakers is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games
- LA Lakers is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers’s last 6 games on the road
- Milwaukee is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games
- Milwaukee is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee’s last 5 games
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Again, you need to make sure of the status of Giannis before playing here, as that could make a difference. If he does go, I am all over the Bucks, and would probably also like them if he didn’t. I am taking them to win and cover.
LA Lakers 108 Milwaukee Bucks 124
