If you have plans for Friday night, cancel them. One of the most anticipated regular season games will take place when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Milwaukee Bucks in a potential NBA Finals preview. The Lakers and Bucks are both closing in on the No. 1 seed in their respective conference, and these teams are the favorites to win the title per the NBA betting odds. Los Angeles has a lead of 5.5 games on the LA Clippers for the top spot out West, while Milwaukee holds a nine-game lead over Toronto and has already clinched a playoff berth.
This game will take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on March 6, 2020, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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Head-To-Head Results to Date
Milwaukee welcomed Los Angeles to Wisconsin on December 19, but the Bucks didn’t allow the Lakers to leave the Badger State with a victory. Giannis Antetokuonmpo showed why many consider him the best player in the NBA, scoring 34 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists in a 111-104 victory. He was 11-19 from the floor and made five of his eight threes.
George Hill came off the bench to add 21 points on 7-12 shooting, and Khris Middleton also played well in the victory for the Bucks. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis played 43 minutes in trying to lead the Lakers to a victory, and he led all scorers with 36 points. However, it wasn’t a great night for LA’s bench, as those six players added just four points, and Rajon Rondo turned the ball over four times.
Injury Report
Alex Caruso is considered questionable to play on Friday night due to a hamstring injury. He has already missed two games with the issue, but the Lakers do have two games off before hosting Milwaukee.
George Hill has been cleared to play after a groin injury hobbled him earlier in the week, but Kyle Korver’s status is up in the air. He has been dealing with a back injury and is questionable to play.
Matchup to Watch
Everyone will be psyched to see LeBron James square off with Giannis once again when these teams clash. James is having an incredible season, leading the NBA in real plus/minus and assists, and his play has been pivotal to making the Lakers the best team in the West. Meanwhile, Antetokuonmpo is a heavy favorite to win his second straight MVP award, as he is averaging 29.6 PPG and 13.8 RPG this season for Milwaukee.
Game Preview
Khris Middleton has had an excellent season for Milwaukee, giving Giannis someone reliable to play off. That has made the reigning NBA MVP even more effective, as opponents must respect Middleton’s ability to knock down jumpers. Middleton has made teams pay that haven’t heeded his touch, averaging 50.3 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. George Hill and Donte DiVincenzo are giving the Bucks help off the bench too, making this the most explosive offense in the league.
James and Davis have been quite the one-two punch for the Lakers. Both players are averaging more than 25 PPG, and Kyle Kuzma has filled out the frontcourt. The guard play has been shaky as no one has emerged as a dependable option, but this team has depth that few others have with two superstars on the roster.
Prediction
We’re nearing the end of the regular season, and both teams are looking to showcase that they have what it takes to win the title. The Lakers will be at home and have a rest advantage though, so they are the pick to win on Friday night.
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