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Staples Center plays host to the blockbuster clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, December 2nd, in NBA regular season action. The 15-5 Bucks have already established themselves as one of the best in the NBA, while the 8-12 Lakers have found rejuvenating form recently after a torrid start to the campaign. The Bucks are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, behind the Boston Celtics. However, the Lakers are mounting a strong climb in the West, currently placing 13th. The betting odds and predictions are given below:
The Bucks are the best defense in the NBA with a defensive rating of 107.2 allowing only 107 points per game, which is the third-lowest in the entire NBA. They have one of the most resolute defensive cores on paper that the NBA has ever seen, with the likes of Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Giannis Antetokounmpo starting together.
Giannis has always been a sensational two-way player, but this season, in the prolonged absence of Khris Middleton and Grayson Allen, he has had to bare a lot more of the offensive responsibility. Unsurprisingly, Giannis leads his side in scoring, with 31 points a night on 58% true shooting. He has been in absolutely terrifying form lately, averaging nearly 36 points a night over the last five games.
His battle with Anthony Davis will be a sight to behold. The Lakers’ rejuvenation this season has begun all thanks to the inspired performances of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Davis has been phenomenal lately in the 6-4 run that the Lakers have been on in the last 10. Ever since their win over the Nets, Davis has registered four 30+ point games over seven matches. This month alone, he has averaged nearly 27 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Match Details
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ Milwaukee Bucks
Date & Time: Friday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
Neither of the teams have any confirmed absentees. Three of the Lakers’ predicted starting five are game-time decisions, but are likely to play. Khris Middleton is most likely set to return for the Bucks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds & Spreads
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Starting 5s
Los Angeles Lakers: PG P. Beverley, SG L. Walker (GTD), SF Troy Brown (GTD), PF L. James (GTD), C A. Davis (GTD)
Milwaukee Bucks: PG Jrue Holiday, SG Grayson Allen, SF K. Middleton (GTD), PF G. Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Prediction
The Lakers have been in good form, but that run of results has been predominantly dependent on the individual brilliance of Davis and James. The team as a whole is still not on the same level as the Bucks. The Milwaukee side are nigh-on impossible to beat at the Fiserv Forum and have a version of Giannis that we haven't seen this season. He has been on a tear lately and will garner a lot of attention from Davis.
Milwaukee Bucks: -8.5 (-110)
