Home Advantage? Bucks vs Lakers Game Analysis
After losing to the Bucks in Milwaukee on March 13th (126-106), the Lakers hope to get even when they host Giannis Antetokounmpo and his crew on Thursday, March 20th.
The Lakers have a better record, with 42 wins and only 25 losses, while the Bucks have 38 and 29, respectively. However, the Bucks get a day off as they travel from San Francisco, where they lost to the Warriors.
The Bucks are strong at home, 24-12, but those wins drop considerably when they’re on the road, 14-18. Will that be a significant consideration for this game?
Milwaukee Bucks Recent Scores
The Bucks lost to the Warriors on the road Tuesday night, 104-93, making it two in a row. However, they’ve had to face tough teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference’s #1 seed.
They are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but it’s been a brutal schedule of top-place teams. The Lakers won’t be any easier unless their injuries continue to add up. Luka Dončić’s injury status might make the difference in this one.
Los Angeles Lakers Recent Scores
LA came off a grueling road trip that saw them drop four games in a row against the Celtics, Nets, Bucks and Nuggets. LeBron James missed three of those games due to an injury. And the Lakers were without James and Luka Dončić for their recent loss against the Bucks. They got their composure back at home, beating the Suns and Spurs, but that could be because they were taking on 11th and 13th-seed teams.
They have the second-best home record, with 27 wins and seven losses, and they score an average of 113.0 points per game.
The Lakers have played without LeBron James for the past five games with no news of when he’s expected back. Their new star backcourt of Dončić and Austin Reaves is filling that void.
Flip a Coin: Bucks vs Lakers Prediction
The only person on Milwaukee’s injury list is Jericho Sims, who has been sidelined for about four weeks after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.
LeBron James continues to be on the injury list with a left groin strain. Luka Dončić has been dealing with a right ankle sprain but is hopeful.
The Lakers are also without Trey Jemison III, who is ill, Rui Hachimura, who is out with a knee issue, and Maxi Kleber, who will be out for at least eight weeks after having surgery on his right foot.
On top of that, the Lakers will be tired after taking on the Nuggets the night before. If they have Dončić playing relatively healthy, they might pull this off at home, but it will be a close one right to the end.
My Bucks vs Lakers prediction is that LA will find a way to squeak a win out for the fans 122-118. Remember to follow us at BossAction to be on top of every NBA news, games and analysis.
