MILWAUKEE BUCKS AT LOS ANGELES LAKERS
QUICK HITTER
The two best teams and the two best players in the NBA will square off on Friday night as the Bucks and Lakers meet for the second time this season. Giannis got the better of Lebron in the first matchup as Milwaukee captured a 111-104 home victory back on Dec. 19. The Bucks covered the 3.5-point spread and the game stayed Under the total of 227. This game should have an intense playoff feel as both teams hope to meet again in the NBA Finals. Expect this game to be played at a slower tempo from the onset as these two prizefighters feel each other out. The first-quarter Under is 8-2 in the last 10 games for Milwaukee.
Pick: Under 54.5 First Quarter (+100)
FIRST HALF
Both of these teams enter red hot with the Lakers winning nine of their last 10 and the Bucks seven of their last eight. Despite Milwaukee’s dominance of late, they are just 3-3 ATS over the last six games as the numbers are starting to catch up. Milwaukee burst out of the gates the last time these teams played, winning the first half 65-46 as LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined to shoot just 6 for 20 over the first 24 minutes. Expect James and Davis to up their level of play this time around. The Lakers are 17-11-1 ATS in the first half at home this season.
Pick: Lakers First Half Moneyline (-110)
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TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Wes Matthews has been a sneaky good addition for the Bucks this season. The journeyman signed with Milwaukee as a free agent this past summer and has contributed in a big way averaging over 24.6 minutes and 7.6 points per game. Matthews saw an increased workload against the Lakers earlier this season scoring 13 points in 31 minutes. The matchups are favorable against the Lakers and he should see some extended run in a tough environment at Staples Center. Matthews is coming off a solid performance against the Pacers with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The veteran guard is a good bet to exceed his reasonably priced points prop.
Pick: Wes Matthews Over 7.5 Points (-128)
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TOTAL BET
Defense has been a calling card for both teams during the second half of the season with the Under cashing in five straight for Milwaukee and three of the last five for Los Angeles. Both teams rank inside the top five in scoring defense and do a stellar job at protecting the rim. The Bucks lead the NBA in field goal defense (41.1%) and the Lakers pace the league in blocks per game (6.9). Milwaukee has held each of its last five opponents to 100 points or less. This line opened at 228.5 and has already been bet down at most books. Expect both teams to be locked in on the defensive end. Trust the line movement.
Pick: Under 227.5
SPREAD BET
The stars will be shining on Friday night when Giannis Antetokounmpo battles LeBron James. Giannis had 34 points and drained a career-high five 3-pointers the last time these two met. James leads the league in assists and posted a triple-double in the first contest against Milwaukee. He dropped 22 points and 14 dimes in the Lakers 120-107 home win over the Sixers earlier this week as he continues to be an elite distributor. The Bucks have owned this series of late winning six straight meetings. Lakers guard Alex Caruso hopes to return after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. George Hill missed Milwaukee’s 119-100 home win over Indiana with a groin injury but is expected to play on Friday. Both teams are relatively healthy, but the Lakers are playing slightly better right now and will be looking to prove they are the top dog on their home floor. Playoff Bron shows up in Tinseltown.
Pick: Lakers -1
