Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers meet for the first time this season, and oddly enough, this presents a great opportunity for the Bucks to snap their three-game losing streak. The Lakers are suffering from an injury crisis, leaving huge gaps in their frontcourt—an invitation for Giannis Antetokounmpo to dominate.
Milwaukee Bucks
Their recent three-game skid isn’t a cause for concern. They’ve faced top Eastern Conference teams and only lost two of those by a single possession. More importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo looks in top shape heading into the playoffs. He has refined his shot selection, taking fewer risky threes (4.1%) and reducing high-contact drives to the rim. Instead, he’s focusing more on mid-range shooting, converting 46.6%—the sixth-best mark in the league and the best of his career by a wide margin.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers face an uphill battle. Three starters are sidelined, including LeBron James, who is out for at least two weeks. Luka Dončić has a minor injury, making his availability uncertain. In their recent loss to the Brooklyn Nets (108:111), Alex Len and Trey Jemison shared minutes at centre, combining for just two points and five rebounds in over 30 minutes on the court. To make matters worse, the Lakers are entering one of the toughest stretches in their schedule. Due to a postponed fixture, they’ll play three consecutive back-to-backs and six games in nine days. If things go south early, J.J. Redick may prioritise resting his stars.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
Since the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks have the fourth-best defensive rating in the league (109.5), despite facing tough opposition. Against the depleted Lakers side, scoring won’t come easy for the visitors. Expect Giannis to dominate in the paint against an underwhelming LA frontcourt.
