On March 20, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks will clash with the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a matchup eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike. The game tips off at 10:30 PM ET, presenting a chance for both teams to either bolster their standings or continue their struggles as they approach the playoffs. Currently, the Bucks hold a record of 38-30, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers sit well ahead at third in the Western Conference with a 43-25 record.
The Bucks are coming into this game on the heels of a disappointing streak, having lost five of their last seven games. Their last outing was a tough 104-93 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, where All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 20 points and 9 rebounds but struggled with his shooting, going 5-for-16 from the floor. Despite this, the Bucks managed to secure a 126-106 victory against the Lakers in their previous encounter just a week prior, showcasing their offensive capabilities which included four players scoring over 20 points, led by Antetokounmpo’s 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists.
The Lakers, on the other hand, enter this game optimistic after winning three consecutive games, including a 120-108 victory against the Denver Nuggets. This has propelled them to a solid home record of 28-7 this season. However, the Lakers are contending with injuries to key players, including superstar forward LeBron James, who will miss his fifth straight game due to a groin injury. Point guard Luka Doncic, who impressed with a 31-point performance against the Nuggets, is expected to lead the team once more.
As the two teams prepare for their second matchup of the season, the Bucks are currently favored by 3.5 points according to BetMGM, with a total point over/under set at 226.5. BetMGM lists the moneyline odds at Bucks -155 and Lakers +125, indicating the Bucks are considered the more likely team to win, despite their recent struggles.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer will look to manage the minutes and health of his roster with injuries affecting many players. Alongside Antetokounmpo, both Damian Lillard (groin) and Gary Trent Jr. (knee) are listed as probable to play, while Bobby Portis remains suspended and Jericho Sims is out due to a thumb injury. This situation leaves the team somewhat fragile but capable of formidable offensive play when firing on all cylinders.
The Lakers have been resilient despite the absence of James. They’ve shown a potential to adjust well after setbacks, with players like Austin Reaves stepping into more significant roles and performing admirably. Reaves has averaged 19.6 points this season and continues to shoot over 40% from three-point range, further contributing to the Lakers' offensive firepower.
In their last meeting, the absence of James was felt as the Lakers struggled to keep pace with the Bucks, who utilized their depth to control the game. Doncic is expected to be a crucial factor in altering the outcome this time around, having averaged nearly 31 points in his last several games and hitting high marks in rebounds and assists.
The context of this matchup puts both teams in a critical position as they head deeper into the season. The Bucks aim to regain momentum while securing a stable playoff position, and the Lakers hope to solidify their standing as a contender in the West, especially with the playoffs approaching.
As for the betting predictions, analysts suggest that the Lakers might cover the spread due to their home performance streak. The model from SportsLine predicts that the Lakers will outplay the Bucks by a score of 113-109. This expectation is reinforced by the Lakers’ solid home record and their strategic plan to leverage Doncic's recent form to dominate offensively.
Whether the Bucks can exploit their talent against a Lakers squad missing key personnel remains to be seen. This tension and the stakes attached to each game make for an exciting matchup. With both teams looking to prove their worth, the atmosphere in Crypto.com Arena will surely be charged with anticipation.
As the playoffs draw closer, every game counts, adding weight to this exciting NBA faceoff between two of the league's marquee franchises. It all unfolds on March 20 at 10:30 PM ET, and fans will be glued to their seats for what promises to be an electrifying evening of basketball.
