Lakers vs. Bucks prediction, odds, line, spread, start time: 2023 NBA picks, Feb. 9 best bets from top model
The Los Angeles Lakers (25-30) are hosting the Milwaukee Bucks (37-17) in a battle on Thursday evening. Milwaukee is red-hot and is on a nine-game win streak, having risen to second in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is looking to turn it around, as it is currently the 13th seed in the West. The Lakers won the first matchup of the season 133-129 on Dec. 2. Bobby Portis (knee) and Joe Ingles (knee) are out for the Bucks. LeBron James (ankle) will also sit this one out after becoming the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Bucks as an 8.5-point favorite in the latest Bucks vs. Lakers odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total points is set at 234.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Bucks picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 16 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 49-23 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Lakers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Bucks vs. Lakers:
- Bucks vs. Lakers spread: Milwaukee -8.5
- Bucks vs. Lakers Over/Under: 234.5 points
- Bucks vs. Lakers money line: Milwaukee -355, Los Angeles +278
- MIL: Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record
- LAL: Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight-up loss
- Bucks vs. Lakers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Lakers can cover
Forward Anthony Davis is a two-way beast in the frontcourt. Davis has a combination of length, quickness, and instincts that allows him to play defense at a high level. The eight-time All-Star scores from a range of different spots on the floor including the mid-range and low post. Davis puts up 26.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and two blocks per game. On Feb. 4, he logged 34 points and 14 rebounds.
Forward Rui Hachimura has provided a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ frontcourt since being acquired in a trade from the Wizards three weeks ago. Over five starts with LA, he’s averaged 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and been lethal from downtown, knocking down 50% of his 3-point attempts. Hachimura’s also had previous success against the Bucks, scoring 26 points on 11 of 18 shooting in a New Year’s Day victory over Milwaukee while he was still in D.C.
Why the Bucks can cover
Forward Khris Middleton is a quality three-level scorer with a pure jumper. Middleton can create his own shot or thrive as a catch-and-shoot option. The three-time All-Star has shown the ability to excel in the mid-range area and logs 12.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. On Feb. 4, Middleton finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Center Brook Lopez is a great rim protector who has a smooth jumper. Lopez forces the defenses to account for him on the perimeter to pair with his solid low-post game. The Stanford product averages 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He amassed 27 points and nine boards in his last game.
How to make Bucks vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 232 points. The model also says one side hits well over 50% of the time. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Bucks? And which side hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
Source: CBSSports.com
