Responding to the last matchup
When these two teams last met on December 19, it offered up a highly entertaining game and a seven-point Bucks victory.
That final scoreline may have made the game seem much closer and more stressful than it actually was for Milwaukee, though.
The Lakers’ last lead in that particular game came when the score was 5-4, and having led by 19 at half time, the Bucks spent large spells of the contest with a double-digit lead.
Los Angeles fought back well, but never quite looked like they had the firepower to match the Bucks, particularly with George Hill coming up with a 21-point performance off the bench for Milwaukee.
The way that game played out certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue for this one. The Lakers will be desperate not to lose, but for their own confidence and psychological perspective it would seem vital that they don’t find themselves dominated for large spells by the Bucks on their home court.
The other side of that coin is the Bucks will have an opportunity to really assert their dominance in the matchup, and make a real statement of their intent for the matchups that could be on the cards in June.
It’s all to play for, and the stakes could ultimately prove to be greater than just a single regular season win or loss.
The Bucks’ clash with the Lakers will tip-off from Staples Center at 9.30pm CT on Friday night.