Imago
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their first loss in six games as they were defeated by the Warriors. Despite this loss, they still have the best record in the NBA alongside the Clippers with 11 wins and 4 losses.
The Bucks have recovered well from their rocky start to the season and have the second best record in the Eastern Conference. With their superstars finally stepping up, they now have 9 wins and 5 losses.
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The Lakers face off against the Bucks tonight at 7:00 PM EST. Take a look at the predicted lineups and the injury updates.
Los Angeles Lakers injury updates and lineup prediction
The Lakers have been disappointing in their home stadium so far. After two wins in a row at the Staples centre, the Lakers suffered their fourth home defeat against the Warriors. Despite the loss, the champions have the best record in the Western Conference.
The biggest concern for coach Vogel will be the defensive frailties the Lakers showed in the fourth quarter. The Lakers surrendered an 11 point lead and lost 115-113 to the Dubs.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court as Golden State Warriors guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) defends during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
They will hope to rectify these mistakes in their upcoming game against the Bucks. However, the champions have some injury concerns for their upcoming game. Forwards Jared Dudley and Kostas Antetokounmpo are sidelined with a calf and knee injury, respectively.
Superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both recovering from ankle injuries and are probable against the Bucks. With the Western Conference heating up, the Lakers will hope that they can come back to winning ways and cement themselves as the best team in the NBA.
Probable Lineup
Dennis Schroder (G)
Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)
LeBron James (F)
Anthony Davis (F)
Marc Gasol (C)
Milwaukee Bucks injury updates and lineup prediction
The Bucks also suffered their first loss in last five games as the Brooklyn Nets defeated them 125-123. If not for Khris Middleton’s missed buzzer beater, the Bucks could have won the game.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grabs a rebound against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks’ talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally started putting up some MVP caliber numbers. In the last eight games, the ‘Greek Freak’ has averaged 30.1 points, 5.3 assists and 9.3 rebounds per game. Guards Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton have also impressed so far.
The Bucks have a fully fit roster available against the Lakers. As they face a juggernaut in the Lakers, they will hope that they can be their usual best against the champions.
Probable Lineup
Donte DiVincenzo (G)
Jrue Holiday (G)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (F)
Khris Middleton (F)
Brook Lopez (C)
Predictions
The Lakers, despite the loss to the Warriors, will be optimistic to make a big comeback against the Bucks. Despite their superstars having an off night, their new additions, Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell, stepped up. The Bucks might be a solid competitor for the Lakers but given the depth of the side, the champions are the favorites to be the victors.
