Lakers vs Bucks Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Friday, December 2nd

Check out our free Lakers vs Bucks pick and preview for this NBA game in Milwaukee. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Lakers vs Bucks NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks
Where: Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum
Date: Friday, December 2nd
Betting Odds MIL -8, LAL +267 | MIL -345 O/U 228.5

The Lakers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 8-12. So far, the team has gone 8-11-1 against the spread. In the teams past 3 games, their overall mark sits at 2-1. Los Angeles is 2-1 vs the spread in these matchups.

In their previous game, the Lakers took down the Trail Blazers by a score of 128-109. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 6 point favorites. In the game, Los Angeles outscored their opponent in every quarter. In the win, LeBron James led the team in scoring with 31 points on a field goal percentage of 66.7%.

The Bucks come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 15-5. So far, the team has gone 12-7-1 against the spread. In today’s game, Milwaukee will look to extend their 3 game winning streak. Over this stretch, they have an average scoring margin of 10.0 points.

The Bucks are looking to add another win to their resume, as they took down the Knicks by a score of 109-103. This win gave them an ATS push, as the team was 6 point favorites. Milwaukee went on to win the game, as they led by 2 heading into halftime. In the win, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in scoring with 37 points on a field goal percentage of 52.0%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

In their 2 wins over the Lakers, the Bucks won by scores of 109-102 and 116-102. Similar to their season-long average, the Lakers averaged 109.0 points per game vs the Bucks. Just like the Lakers, the Bucks maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 120.0 points per game vs Los Angeles. Across the last 5 matchups between the teams, Los Angeles has gone 3-2 vs the spread. However, the Bucks actually have a positive scoring margin in these games at +4 points per game. A combined average of 220 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 1-4.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Through 20 games, the Lakers are averaging 113.1 points per contest, placing them 14th in the NBA. So far, Los Angeles is averaging 102.6 possessions per game, making them one of the more up-tempo teams in the league. If the Lakers are going to turn things around on offense, they must improve their overall shooting efficiency. In particular, the 3-point shot has been problematic for the unit, as they are just 28th in 3-point shooting percentage.

Currently, the Lakers defense is ranked 28th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 115.15 points per game vs the unit.

Center Anthony Davis currently leads the Lakers at 26.28 points per game. For the season, he is 38th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 19.5% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Davis is averaging 12.72 boards and 2.61 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 4th ranked defense at defending centers. LeBron James enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 14 games, he is averaging 25.79 and is 37th in the league in player efficiency rating.

For the season, the Bucks offensive unit is ranked just 16th in scoring at 112.3 points per contest. The Bucks come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 13.0 made 3’s per game. Despite shooting the ball well from outside, Milwaukee has not done a good job taking care of the ball. So far, they are averaging 13.9 turnovers per game.

Defensively, Milwaukee has had its problems giving up an average of 112.13 points per game (19th).

On offense, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks in scoring at 31.29 points per game, placing him 4th in the NBA. Overall, Antetokounmpo has hit 53.3% of his shots while accounting for 24.0% of the team’s looks from the field. In today’s game, he will be working against a defensive unit that is 4th in points allowed to power-fowards. At 15.45 points per game, Brook Lopez is the 2nd leading scorer for the Bucks. For the season, he is 90th in the league in player efficiency rating, while posting an effective field goal percentage of 21.29.