Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks 11/17/21: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview (11/17/21)

Two struggling teams will meet up on November 17th when the Los Angeles Lakers travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks have been without Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez for many games as they have dealt with COVID issues and different injuries throughout the season. Still, it is no excuse for the defending champions to be struggling as much as they are at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, especially with the emergence of guard Grayson Allen. This season, the Lakers have had similar luck after many projected them to be a top team in the Western Conference. LeBron will be returning soon for the Lakers; however, he will not be available for this game. Luckily for the Milwaukee Bucks, though, they will be getting Khris Middleton back in time for this game from health and safety protocols as he has recovered from COVID.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

Odds were not available from sportsbooks when this article was written, but we can speculate the general direction of the game and certain bets.

Even with Carmelo Anthony playing very well and Anthony Davis showing why he is one of the best two-way players in the league, the Lakers can’t seem to form a real identity. Perhaps some of these struggles are growing pains for a team that is almost entirely different from last year, save Talen Horton-Tucker, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. While I am not much higher on the Milwaukee Bucks, they have still had guys step up, such as Grayson Allen and his sudden emergence. Additionally, Khris Middleton will be returning gives the Bucks a lot of hope in rattling off a few quick wins, even if he does not play as many minutes as usual. It also should be noted that the Lakers have been absolutely atrocious against the spread with merely a 5-10 record. All signs point to the Bucks getting their second home win in Fiserv Forum this season and the Lakers struggling with identity and inconsistency. Take Milwaukee around -4 or better.

Bet on This Game

If you're in a state with legal sports betting, you can bet on this game! Lineups has exclusive new sign up bonuses from the top legal Sportsbooks online.

TV Schedule

Date: 11/17/21
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
Channel: ESPN

Live Stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Free Online: Watch Every NBA Game

You can stream this game online for free. You can get a free 7-day trial and live stream NBA games from any device. Click the banner below and start watching.
hulufreenbatrial

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Talen Horton-Tucker
SF: Avery Bradley
PF: Carmelo Anthony
C: Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

The Lakers have had a bumpy ride through their first 15 games this season: LeBron suffered an abdominal injury that has kept him out of several games, Talen Horton-Tucker has also missed many games but is healthy now, Russell Westbrook is struggling significantly with ball protection, and Carmelo Anthony is shooting as well from behind the arc as he ever has. The Lakers’ biggest issues are chemistry and consistency; you never know which team you will get on any night. Currently, Los Angeles ranks ninth in points per game but merely 24th in offensive efficiency. The Lakers are also 27th in opponent points per game, 14th in defensive efficiency, and 19th in eFG% (effective field goal percentage). Los Angeles has to develop an identity at some point this season to be a contender. As of now, the Lakers will be lucky to sneak into the playoffs.

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Grayson Allen
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Bobby Portis
C: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Analysis

Milwaukee struggling so far this season is a complete understatement. Much of this can be attributed to COVID and injuries: Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez have been out for several games. Middleton will be back in time for this game, but it is hard to imagine playing his usual minutes. He was a key component to the Bucks’ championship team and has been for many years before that. Without Middleton, the Bucks rank 18th in points per game, 19th in offensive efficiency, and 17th in eFG% (effective field goal percentage). It has been made blatantly obvious that he is much more than a “Robin” to Antetokounmpo’s “Batman” and simply a superstar in his own right. Additionally, Brook Lopez has been out a good chunk of time due to an injury, so it is no mystery why the Bucks have not put everything together. Recently, Milwaukee has lost back-to-back games against the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics, two underperforming teams. The Bucks also need to drastically perform better defensively. They rank in the bottom ten in the most important defensive statistical categories, which will hurt their chances at another post-season appearance if it is not fixed soon.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Daily Fantasy Picks

Carmelo Anthony has had a career revival in Los Angeles and is shooting the ball about as well as he ever has. Anthony has averaged 15.5 points and four rebounds on 46.9% from the field and 45.3% from behind the arc through 15 games this season. His 45.3% from three represents the highest mark of his career, assuming that it would be replicated for the course of the 2021-22 season. He has had some amazing games this year with point totals of 29, 28, 24, 23, and 21; any given night, Anthony can go off and drop 20-30 points.

Grayson Allen has found a home in Milwaukee, and all signs are pointing to him starting even when Donte DiVincenzo returns from injury. Allen averages 16 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 45.1/43.8/92 shooting splits. Suddenly, Allen has emerged as one of the league’s best catch-and-shoot shooters with the third most made three-point field goals in the NBA. Additionally, Allen is coming off back-to-back 20+ point nights, proving his scoring prowess has evolved throughout his time in the league. He has been one of the few bright spots for a struggling Milwaukee Bucks squad and, with a still relatively low salary, becomes a solid DFS play.

Post
Drew is one of the NBA Lead Writers at Lineups.com, specializing in betting content such as game predictions and player props. With a deep knowledge of players and prospects, Drew has an extensive edge in covering everything NBA.

Hot NBA Matchup Previews Stories