Lakers vs Bucks Prediction & Player Props: The Battle of the Bigs

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Milwaukee to take on Giannis and the Bucks in a Friday night star-studded cross-conference battle.

The Lakers have begun to right the ship a bit after their terrible start to the season.

Even though they are 8-12, they have won 6 of their last 8, mostly due to the excellent play of PF Anthony Davis.

Davis has been playing arguably his best basketball since he signed with the Lakers. He is averaging over 26 points per game and over 12 boards as well.

The question with Davis was never about his ability, it was his longevity, as injuries have derailed his last 2 seasons.

If he can stay healthy this season, the Lakers have a chance at turning things around and battling in the Western Conference.

The Bucks on the other hand have been absolutely rolling. They are 15-5 to start the season and look to be poised to make yet another title run.

What’s even more impressive is they have done it without their second best scoring option, Khris Middleton.

According to reports, Middleton is set to return tonight and that is great news for Bucks fans and the team.

Khris Middleton injury update: Bucks star to make season debut Friday vs. Lakers, per reporthttps://t.co/XdpJ1JDMUp

— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) December 1, 2022

Even without Middleton, the Bucks are 2nd in the East, and no surprise it is on the broad shoulders of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis has been sensational, averaging over 31 points per game and over 11 boards per game.

Now that Middleton is back, Giannis will have a bit less of a load to carry and the Bucks will surely only get better and better.

Tonight, in this battle of two of the most dominant big men in the league, who will dominate the paint and come out victorious?

---

Odds

Available at BetOnline Sportsbook

Spread

• Lakers +8.5 (-110)
• Bucks -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Lakers (+290)
• Bucks (-360)

Total

• Over 230.5 (-110)
• Under 230.5 (-110)

---

Prediction

The Lakers are hard to trust but I have a gut feeling they keep this close in Milwaukee tonight.

Middleton coming back will give the Bucks a lift for sure, but working him into the rotation will take some time and it could throw off their rhythm ever so slightly.

As I mentioned before, the Lakers have been playing better the last 2 weeks and I think they stick around in this one, led by Lebron and a big night from AD.

I don’t think they can win outright but they should keep it within the 8 points and cover.

Best Bet

Lakers +8.5 (-110)

---

Props

Anthony Davis o23.5 pts (-113)

As I mentioned before, Davis has been playing some of his best basketball over the past month.

He has hit his points line in 8 straight games and 9 of the last 10. He has also been rebounding like crazy, with over 10 boards in 8 straight.

I looked at his points and rebounds line but I decided to go with just the points. The Lakers have made a visible effort to run their offense through AD as much as possible and it is paying off.

It will be a battle with Giannis and Brook Lopez in the paint tonight but Davis will get his touches and should continue to feast.

---

Enjoy the Friday Night NBA slate and this game! The Stars will be out and it should be a great watch.

Thanks for stopping by. If you like what you read, go follow me on Twitter as well @Sweatpantsjesus and @BN_Content.

I post betting info, other props, sports news and just like to keep the good vibes rolling.

Love to have you along for the ride!

I also host a Twitter spaces on Thursday evening and Sunday morning. I go over the slate of games and then hear all your favorite play or answer any questions you might have.

Go over #NFL Week 13 with @Sweatpantsjesus on Sunday morning ??

Set those reminders and see you there! https://t.co/FznPnr3FEF

— Betting News (@BN_Content) December 2, 2022

Come hang with me on Sunday!

Thanks for reading and enjoy this game tonight.

Hope we cash and as always, Peace and Love.