After suffering yet another home loss on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, their fourth on the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are back on the road for what is their longest road trip of the season, starting on Thursday night. While the Lakers will be away for nearly two weeks, perhaps one of the few things they can count on is their consistency this season on the road, where they are undefeated through seven road games. However, that consistency will be tested on this trip as they face strong Eastern Conference foes, beginning with the 9-5 Milwaukee Bucks and the two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are coming off a road loss against the Brooklyn Nets in what was one of the classics of the early season. While Antetokounmpo was roasted online for a couple of viral moments where the Nets refused to guard him at the 3-point line, including one airball, he was excellent in the matchup against Kevin Durant and James Harden, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. While he’s highly unlikely to win MVP again, Antetokounmpo is still the biggest problem for Milwaukee opponents.
In addition to Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton is off to a torrid start, off to career-best starts in scoring, field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage. New addition Jrue Holiday also brings them added versatility and a player who doesn’t lose confidence in one-on-one situations.
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
- Date: Jan. 21
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: TNT
- Spread via BetMGM: Bucks -1.5
Probable starting lineups
Milwaukee Bucks (9-5)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Khris Middleton
- Brook Lopez
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Jrue Holiday
Los Angeles Lakers (11-4)
- LeBron James
- Anthony Davis
- Marc Gasol
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Dennis Schröder
