Milwaukee (47-14) at L.A. Lakers (30-31)
When: Friday, March 1st, 2019
Where: Staples Center,
Los Angeles, California
Time: 10:35 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Milwaukee -4/237
The Los Angeles Lakers will seek to win back-to-back games for the first time since mid-January and get back in the playoff race, but they’ll have their hands full with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The Lakers were 20-14 before LeBron James went down with an injury, and even with his return, the team doesn’t seem focused enough to earn a postseason berth. James recorded 33 points and 10 assists in the 125-119 home win over New Orleans on Wednesday – their fifth victory in the past 15 games. The Lakers are still three games behind their Staples Center mates (Clippers) for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, things have been rosy all season in Milwaukee, as the Bucks own the best record in the NBA at 47-14. Milwaukee has won six in a row and 18 of 20 overall after a wild 141-140 overtime road win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) was limited to 24 minutes, but should be ready to go Friday. Team LeBron beat Team Giannis in the All-Star Game a few weeks ago, but Milwaukee has beaten the L.A. Lakers three straight times in the series.
With the ‘Greek Freak’ hobbled, Eric Bledsoe picked-up the slack in a big way with 26 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season and just the fifth of his career. Fellow guard Malcolm Brogdon chipped in 25 points as Milwaukee got all they could handle from the upstart Kings. Antetokounmpo scored 17 minutes in limited action against Sacramento after missing Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Milwaukee will continue their five-game road trip in Utah tomorrow night.
James got some help finally from his supporting cast mates in the victory over the Pelicans, as the Lakers produced 37 assists on 49 made baskets. Point guard Rajon Rondo recorded a season-best 16 assists, while James is averaging 11 dishes over the last three games and has reached double-digits in that category five times in the past eight outings. Forwards Brandon Ingram (23 points) and Kyle Kuzma (22) also contributed in the victory as six players scored in double-figures. The Lakers will be in Phoenix Saturday night before returning home for three straight (Clippers, Denver, Boston).
The Lakers have shown how inconsistent they are by not winning two in a row in a month and a half, and every time you think they’re turning the corner, they lay an egg. Milwaukee is too good all around to let the young Lakers stay in this game. The Bucks are 18-11-2 ATS on the road, while L.A. is 12-16-2 ATS at Staples.
Pick: Bucks -4.5
Bucks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Bucks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Bucks are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.
Bucks are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Bucks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Friday games.
Bucks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Lakers are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Central.
Lakers are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-2 in Bucks last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 5-2 in Bucks last 7 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Bucks last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 12-5 in Bucks last 17 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 13-6 in Bucks last 19 games following a straight up win.
Under is 15-7 in Bucks last 22 road games.
Under is 21-10 in Bucks last 31 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-0 in Lakers last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 5-2 in Lakers last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-2 in Lakers last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 35-16-1 in Lakers last 52 home games.
Bucks are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Underdog is 21-7-1 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
