Friday Night Free NBA Preview Los Angeles Lakers @ Milwaukee Bucks (-8.5 | O/U: 230.5)
Game Preview
It’s Friday night on ESPN, and the 8-12 Lakers begin a crucial six-game road stretch in Milwaukee. The Lakers, winners of six of their last eight, have found some rhythm of late, but struggled on the road this season. In the team’s eight road games, Los Angeles is 2-6 both SU, and ATS. Further, while their success of late is notable, the Lakers have benefitted from playing one of the NBA’s easiest schedules, and have yet to face an opponent of Milwaukee’s stature.
As to the Bucks, the anticipated return of SF Khris Middleton should only bolster their claim as one of the best teams in the NBA. The Bucks have sorely missed Middleton’s scoring on the perimeter, and the Total on this game (230.5) is surely a reflection of his return-- this will be the highest Total in a Bucks game since October. Still, the question remains: to what extent will his play influence the outcome of tonight’s game?
It is likely that Middleton will be playing with a minutes restriction, and perhaps the assignment of such a high Spread / Total is too eager. With that said, the Lakers have played with the third-highest Pace in the NBA. If Lebron and co. dictate the game’s flow, the Bucks are surely better equipped to match with Middleton on the court.
The Bucks have rode their top-rated defense to a 15-5 start to the season-- good for second in the Eastern Conference. At their best, Milwaukee should roll the Lakers. However the reintegration of Middleton into the team’s rotation may not be so seamless. And while the Lakers have yet to be tested this season, tonight they have an opportunity to prove to the league that their recent success is no fluke.
Some Active Trends
The Bucks have gone Over four straight at home
The Bucks are 9-4 ATS at home this season
The Lakers are 2-6 ATS on the road this season
The Lakers are 4-9 ATS as an underdog this season
The Lakers have been covering by an average of 6.5 points the last two weeks
Anthony Davis has scored 25+ in seven straight games (Points O/U: 23.5)
Anthony Davis has recorded 12+ rebounds in 8 straight games (Rebounds O/U: 11.5)
To find out how The Premium is betting this game, and for the rest of tonight's Best Bets, click the link here and use promo code JURGENS to save 25% on a VIP package
