The Milwaukee Bucks are favoured on the road against a depleted Los Angeles Lakers squad.
The pregame narrative: Luka Doncic and LeBron James are out, which makes Milwaukee a compelling moneyline pick. Prop bets on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard round out this +375 wager.
Check out my Bucks vs. Lakers SGP predictions for March 20.
Bucks vs. Lakers predictions
Parlay: Bucks moneyline | Giannis 14+ rebounds | Lillard under 3.5 threes (+375)
Bucks moneyline (-235): The absence of LeBron and Doncic takes away from this game’s star power, but I’m sure it’s music to Milwaukee’s ears.
The Bucks could use a cupcake win after dropping five of their last seven games.
In addition to being without its two best players, L.A. is playing its sixth game in eight nights. I love what Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht have been doing but can’t see them willing the Lakers to a victory in this spot.
These teams met last week with Doncic in the lineup, and Milwaukee won by 20 points.
NBA SGP picks
Giannis 14+ rebounds (+125): Most of my parlay’s value comes from backing Giannis on this plus-money wager — and I think the Greek Freak will be up to the task.
Los Angeles’ starting centre is Jaxson Hayes, who has been good but not great for the Lakers.
You can’t really blame him, though, as the reclamation project was thrust into the role after L.A. traded away Anthony Davis and failed to acquire another big man.
The Lakers are 22nd in rebounding rate since James went down with an injury and things will only get tougher without Doncic, who is averaging 8.8 boards with L.A.
Giannis had 12 rebounds in 30 minutes against the Lakers last week.
Lillard under 3.5 threes (-159): Los Angeles’ only route to keeping this game close will be tightening up on defence, so I think Lillard is worth fading at this number.
The Lakers have been great at defending the perimeter this season, holding opponents to a 34.8% 3-point percentage (third-best in the NBA).
Lillard is hardly lighting the league on fire from deep, too, with two or fewer 3s in five of his last six games.
He went 2-for-8 against the Lakers on March 20.
Bucks vs. Lakers predictions made at 2:00 p.m. ET 03/20/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.