The Milwaukee Bucks have lost three-straight and hope to end it against the LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers, who they themselves have dropped back-to-back.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Los Angeles Lakers (40-23, 15-16 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Austin Reaves
• Gabe Vincent
• Luka Doncic
• Dorian Finney-Smith
• Jaxson Hayes

The Lakers are looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses snapped their eight-game winning streak. Their road struggles have been a concern this season, as they hold a 15-16 record outside of LA. Injuries continue to plague the team, with LeBron James (groin), Rui Hachimura (knee), and Jaxson Hayes (knee) sidelined, while Dorian Finney-Smith is day-to-day with an ankle issue. Despite the absences, the Lakers have history on their side, having won both matchups against the Bucks last season. 

Luka Doncic, their marquee trade acquisition, has been solid but inefficient, averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 12 games as a Laker while shooting just 39.9%. Austin Reaves has been a reliable secondary option, contributing 18.8 points and 5.9 assists per game. 

Role players like Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent will need to step up offensively, while Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Trey Jemison III face the daunting task of containing Giannis Antetokounmpo – Vincent will be tasked to stop Damian Lillard too. Nevertheless, the Lakers will need a collective effort to overcome their injury woes and road struggles.

HOME: Milwaukee Bucks (36-28, 22-11 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Damain Lillard
• Gary Trent Jr.
• Taurean Prince / Kyle Kuzma
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Brook Lopez

The Bucks are also in a slump, losing three straight games after an impressive 8-1 stretch. Their most recent loss, a heartbreaking 115-114 defeat to the Indiana Pacers on a last-second four-point play, highlighted their late-game vulnerabilities. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be the focal points against the Lakers, with both stars eager to avenge last season’s losses to the Purple and Gold. Giannis’ dominance in the paint and Lillard’s clutch shooting make them a tough duo to contain. 

Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez provide additional scoring, while Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince bring energy and defense. Kuzma and Prince, both former Lakers, will be extra motivated against their old team. Defensively, the Bucks must focus on slowing down Luka Doncic, whose scoring and playmaking can single-handedly change the game. With home-court advantage and a desire to end their skid, the Bucks are poised to bounce back.

PICKS:

Spread: Bucks (-6)

Over/Under: 226.5