The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks each seek out their first victory of the NBA preseason on Thursday night, and we've got expert picks for all of your betting needs for this matchup at Fiserv Forum.
Here's a moneyline, spread, and total wager to consider as the Lakers and Bucks collide on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
NBA Preseason Betting Results
| Market | Record | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | 2-1 | 0.84 |
| Moneyline | 2-1 | 0.23 |
| OVER/UNDER | 1-2 | -1.09 |
| Overall | 5-4 | -0.02 |
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Previews & Picks
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1.5 (-108) | +106 | O 221.5 (-110) |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -1.5 (-112) | -130 | U 221.5 (-110) |
Odds as of October 10, 2024 at FanDuel
Expert Picks: Milwaukee Bucks ATS -1.5 (-112), ML (-130)
It's a relatively small sample size, at least on the part of the Bucks having played just a single game, but from what we've seen thus far this preseason, neither side has any particular interest in playing any defense. To be fair, though, that seems to be a common thread for most games.
Los Angeles is coming off a 118-114 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday just days after falling 124-107 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bucks, meanwhile, were just blown out 120-87 by the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, as well.
LeBron James doesn't seem too keen on having to fly out to Milwaukee at all for this contest, which he expressed on social media. He's averaging 16.3 minutes through two games, and that number could go down even further as the regular season commences in under two weeks.
The expectation is that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be in uniform on Thursday, while teammate Gary Trent Jr. is hoping to compete. Khris Middleton remains a game-time decision. If any combination of the three is available, that will give the Bucks an advantage at home and be enough to eek out a victory here.
Expert Pick: OVER 221.5 Total Points (-110)
The Lakers and Bucks are two of nine teams allowing more than 110 points per 100 possessions in the preseason, and with 221.5 total points being fairly universal thus far, it's a number that can be easily cracked on Thursday.
Both of Los Angeles' games have surpassed that mark, and after giving up 120 points to the lowly Pistons, Milwaukee is certainly capable of another dismal defensive display once more.
