Lakers Host Bucks In Key NBA Showdown Amid Injury Struggles

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, March 20, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. This matchup comes as both teams continue their playoff pushes, with the Bucks looking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference.

As it currently stands, the Bucks are favored by 7.5 points, making them -250 on the moneyline, while the Lakers sit at +205. The over/under for the game is set at 219.5 total points. However, the absence of superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic cannot be ignored, as both will not participate in this crucial matchup.

James is out with a foot injury, and Doncic is sidelined due to a sprained right ankle. This places significant pressure on other Lakers players, particularly Austin Reaves, who is expected to lead the team offensively. Reaves, averaging 19.6 points this season, has significantly upped his game in instances when James has been absent, averaging 26.5 points per game in such situations. He scored 22 points in the previous game against the Nuggets, showing promise for tonight’s performance.

The Lakers come into this game on a three-game winning streak and are looking to extend their nine-game winning streak at home. Even though they have a solid record of 43 wins and 25 losses, the challenge becomes steeper with their two leading scorers out.

Conversely, the Bucks, who have a record of 38-30, are focused on improving their seeding within the Eastern Conference. If they can secure at least the No. 4 seed, they remain hopeful for the No. 3 seed, given the competitive nature of the playoffs. Milwaukee enters the game having won three of their last four contests at Crypto.com Arena, which has been a favorable venue for them historically.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be a major factor in determining the game's outcome. The two-time MVP has averaged 27.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in his past 22 games against the Lakers. His experience and skill may prove pivotal against a Lakers team expected to struggle defensively without their stars.

Los Angeles struggled against the Denver Nuggets just last week, losing 131-126 as a 10.5-point underdog, demonstrating how challenging games can be without key personnel. However, the Lakers have managed well in James’s absence, holding a 6-4 record. They are also 7-3 against the spread this season when he doesn't play.

Betting trends favor the Bucks as they possess a better chance of winning outright, largely influenced by their recent performance and L.A.'s current lineup challenges. They boast an 11-7 record when they enjoy a rest advantage, which applies here as the Lakers are on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Taking into account their perimeter defense, the Lakers rank third in opponent's three-point field goal percentage, allowing only 34.8% shooting. This could limit the Bucks, who rely on three-point scoring for a significant percentage of their points. Although the Bucks possess offensive power, they ranked last in the league for offensive rebounding rate, averaging -3.2 extra scoring chances per game, posing a risk against a team as defensively skilled as the Lakers.

With the Bucks anticipated to control the game with their height and experience, they are favored in this matchup. Best betting advice suggests the Bucks’ moneyline at -250, while a thrilling same-game parlay could involve combining Milwaukee's victory with Austin Reaves hitting more than 25.5 points, yielding attractive odds of +230.

Ultimately, the Lakers have the ability to compete, particularly at home, and will want to maintain their momentum. However, facing the Bucks without their star players will be a considerable hurdle. The matchup tonight marks the end of the Lakers' grueling six games in eight days stretch, which they have handled reasonably well, emerging 3-2 thus far.

The game is set to be a litmus test for both teams. For the Bucks, it's an opportunity to build their confidence against a playoff contender. For the Lakers, it’s about proving they can remain competitive even in the absence of their key players. As the game unfolds, fans can expect an exciting contest filled with dynamic plays and tight scenarios that could lead to a thrilling finish.