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Los Angeles Lakers: Betting picks vs. Milwaukee Bucks

By Jason Reed

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks eyes the defense of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks eyes the defense of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have had two days off and are starting a long road trip with a marquee matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, while the Bucks are coming off of a two-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

NBA fans are getting a potential NBA Finals preview in this game as the Lakers have the best record in the league and are the betting favorites to win the NBA Championship. The Bucks have more competition to get through in the East than normal, but they also have the most talented player in the conference in Giannis Antetkounmpo.

Our very own Kevin Germany breaks down why this is a potential Finals preview as well as previewing the keys to victory for the game. You can find that article here.

As far as Vegas is concerned, the Los Angeles Lakers are actually underdogs in this game. For the first time this season, the Lakers are in the positive on the spread. According to the BetMGM odds on the Action Network, the Lakers are two-point underdogs with a point total set at 228.5.

As part of the Lake Show Life Podcast, I have been picking both against the spread and the point total this year. There was no recorded episode for my picks, as we are posting it after the game as a post-game recap, but I still need to keep up with the picks.

I did go 2-0 in the last game, even though it was a shame to see the Lakers lose. I thought Golden State would cover +8.5 and picked over 226.5 — that hit by 1.5 points. My record on the season is now a more-respectable 13-13.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting picks:

  • Lakers +2, under 228.5 (Final score: Lakers 110, Bucks 107)

This is going to be a close game and it was one that was so hard to pick for. I went over to my model that I use for my NBA betting and it spit out the Bucks winning by two. When the model is identical to the spread that means that it truly can go either way.

The reason I am going with the Lakers on the road is their defense. The Lakers are one of the best defensive teams in the league and I do believe they have far more defensive weapons to throw at the Bucks than most teams.

There is a blueprint to beat the Bucks and we have seen that in the last two NBA Playoffs. If anyone is going to gameplan the Bucks properly, it is Frank Vogel.

Next. The Lakers' defense is better than you think. dark

I have the Lakers’ defense being the difference in this one. The Bucks will get a chance to tie the game down by three but the shot will not fall, giving the Los Angeles Lakers their best win of the season to date.

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