The Milwaukee Bucks head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers in a cross-conference clash, with the Bucks aiming to snap a recent skid while the Lakers look to maintain their strong home form. Milwaukee, struggling in the Eastern Conference standings, has dropped five of their last seven games but showed resilience in a narrow win over Charlotte. The Lakers, atop the Pacific Division, have won four straight, including a gritty victory over New Orleans, fueled by balanced scoring despite injury concerns. This matchup could spotlight star power, with Giannis Antetokounmpo facing a tough Lakers frontcourt, but Milwaukee’s road woes (7-11 away) contrast with LA’s dominance at home (15-3).
Venue Location
Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, home of the Los Angeles Lakers. The indoor venue seats over 18,000 and is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere in high-profile games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. MST / 9:30 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Spectrum Sports Net, and NBA TV.
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating absences, with the Lakers particularly thin in the backcourt and the Bucks missing rotational pieces.
Milwaukee Bucks
Out: Taurean Prince (neck surgery; out indefinitely).
Questionable: None reported.
Prince’s absence limits Milwaukee’s wing depth, forcing more reliance on Khris Middleton and Gary Trent Jr. for spacing.
Los Angeles Lakers
Out: Austin Reaves (grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain; re-evaluated in four weeks), Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain; out at least four weeks), Rui Hachimura (calf strain).
Questionable/Day-to-Day: LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis/right sciatica).
The Lakers’ guard rotation is depleted without Reaves, and James’ status is critical after sitting out a recent back-to-back. Gabe Vincent recently returned from a back strain and could see expanded minutes.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries shift the focus to star duels and secondary scoring, where the Lakers’ depth could shine.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) vs. Anthony Davis (LAL): Antetokounmpo (32 PPG, 12 RPG) thrives in transition but faces Davis (25 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.5 BPG), whose rim protection could force Milwaukee into jumpers.
Damian Lillard (MIL) vs. D’Angelo Russell (LAL): Lillard (24 PPG) must exploit LA’s thinned backcourt. Russell provides playmaking but struggles defensively without Reaves.
Khris Middleton (MIL) vs. Max Christie (LAL): Middleton’s mid-range game tests Christie’s defense, especially if James sits.
Brook Lopez (MIL) vs. Jaxson Hayes (LAL): Lopez’s spacing (3s) vs. Hayes’ athleticism could open lanes for drives.
Recent Team Forms
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are 5-5 in their last 10, alternating wins and losses with inconsistent defense (allowing 115+ PPG in losses). They’ve averaged 114.2 PPG but struggle on the road (3-7 in last 10 away). Key games: W 115-98 at SAC (Jan 4), W 122-121 vs. CHA (Jan 2), L 113-114 vs. WAS (Dec 31), W 123-113 at CHA (Dec 29), L 104-125 vs. MEM (Dec 27).
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are 7-3 in their last 10, with strong offense (118.5 PPG) and home dominance (8-2). They’ve held opponents under 110 in recent wins. Key games: W 111-103 at NOP (Jan 6), W 120-114 vs. MEM (Jan 4), W 128-121 vs. MEM (Jan 2), W 120-114 vs. MEM (Jan 4, duplicate? Wait, adjust: Earlier wins over NOP, etc.).
Series History
The Lakers hold an 87-62 edge in 149 regular-season meetings against the Bucks. LA has won the last three encounters, including 119-95 on Nov. 15, 2025, and 118-89 on Mar. 20, 2025. Milwaukee’s last victory was in 2024. In playoffs, the Bucks lead 7-6 across series.
Betting Trends
Milwaukee Bucks: 17-20 ATS overall (45.9% cover rate), 7-11 ATS on the road. The under has hit in 22 of 37 games (59.5%). Bucks are 4-6 ATS in last 10 as underdogs.
Los Angeles Lakers: 20-15 ATS overall (57.1%), 14-4 ATS at home. The over has hit in 21 of 35 games (60%). Lakers are 7-3 ATS in last 10 as favorites.
Head-to-head, the Lakers are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 vs. Milwaukee, with games going under in 7 of 10.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks 230.5
Los Angeles Lakers – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
