Best NBA prop bets today for Lakers vs. Bucks (How to bet on Bucks superstars)
By Peter Dewey
The Milwaukee Bucks are heavily favored against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, mainly because LeBron James (ankle) is listed as doubtful for this matchup.
James didn't play in the first meeting between these teams this season, but a heroic 44-point game from D’Angelo Russell helped the Lakers secure a one-point win in L.A.
Can the Bucks flip the script at Fiserv Forum tonight? Oddsmakers sure seem to think so, but I’m looking to prop market for my best bets in this game.
Why? Well, the Bucks are just 15-16-1 against the spread as home favorites, and I actually think this matchup lines up well for stars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Here’s a look at three props to consider for this nationally televised matchup:
Lakers vs. Bucks best NBA prop bets
- Damian Lillard OVER 3.5 3-pointers made
- D’Angelo Russell OVER 7.5 assists
- Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 29.5 points
Damian Lillard OVER 3.5 3-pointers made
An All-Star starter this season, Lillard is in a great spot to have a big game from 3-point range tonight.
The Lakers rank 28th in the NBA in opponent 3-pointers made per game (14.1), and Lillard had a massive showing – in terms of shot volume – against Los Angeles earlier this season. Dame attempted 12 3-pointers in that game, making four of them, and he also took 23 total shots from the field.
Lillard is set at plus money to hit four or more 3s tonight, which is surprising since he’s completed the feat in three of his last four games and nine of his last 15 since the All-Star break. If Dame gets up double-digit shots from 3 again, I’d be shocked to see him fall short of this prop against L.A.
D’Angelo Russell OVER 7.5 assists
This is a prime matchup for D’Angelo Russell, who carried the load for the Lakers in the win over Milwaukee earlier this season.
D’Lo is averaging 6.3 assists per game this season, but his playmaking role skyrockets for the team when James is out. Barring a last-minute upgrade in status, it looks like James is trending in that direction on Tuesday.
In nine games this season without LeBron, Russell is averaging 10.7 assists per game, clearing this line in all nine games.
The Bucks have been better on defense since Doc Rivers took over, but they still allowed Russell to pick up 44 points and nine dimes in their last meeting with Los Angeles. Milwaukee is also just 16th in the NBA in opponent assists allowed per game.
This is easily one of my favorite plays in the prop market tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 29.5 points
I’m shocked to see this prop below 30.5 points for Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 30.7 points per game on the season.
Oddsmakers may be factoring in for a blowout, but it’s worth noting that the Lakers have only lost two games by more than seven points that James has missed this season.
Not only that, but Los Angeles comes into this matchup with an 11-10 ATS record as a road underdog. So, I wouldn’t be shocked to see L.A. hang around in this matchup.
What does that mean for Giannis? Plenty of minutes – and shots – to win Milwaukee this game.
The MVP candidate had 34 points on 23 shots in his last meeting with the Lakers, putting up a triple-double in the process. Antetokounmpo has scored 30 or more points six times in his last eight games, so I don’t mind laying a little juice to get him at this discounted number.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.