The LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks lock horns for the first time in 2024-25 in Thursday’s marquee contest on the East Coast. The Lakers and Bucks are struggling ahead of this clash. LA is on a two-game losing streak, while Milwaukee is coming off three straight losses.
The Lakers were on an eight-game winning streak before. However, injuries to Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, and LeBron James over that stretch slowed them down. They remain without the frontcourt trio for Thursday’s showdown against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. It’s a tough blow for LA, but if Luka Doncic and others can get going, it won’t be surprising to see them cause an upset.
Meanwhile, the Bucks were also in solid form before their losing streak. They had won four in a row. Over the past three games, they could have won twice but lost by a combined margin of three points to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the only team to dominate them over 48 minutes.
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The Bucks are favored to win Thursday’s game at home against a shorthanded Lakers team that would lack size on its frontline. It’s a relatively easy matchup for the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez to dominate.
LA Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury Reports for Mar. 13
LA Lakers injury report
The Lakers have five players injured, including Luka Doncic, who is questionable, citing a right ankle soreness. Meanwhile, LeBron James (groin), Rui Hachimura (knee), Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Maxi Kleber (foot surgery) are all sidelined. Bronny James is also not with the team because of a G League assignment.
Update: Luka Doncic is available. Trey Jemison III is inactive.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
The Bucks have four injured players. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are probable, citing calf and groin injuries. Chris Livington is questionable, citing illness and Tyler Smith is doubtful with back spasms. Bobby Portis is the other absentee for the Bucks, who is serving a suspension.
Update: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are available.
LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Mar. 13
LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
The Lakers will start Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent as the guards, with Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith and Alex Len in the frontcourt.
Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth chart
The Bucks will start Damian Lillard and Taurean Prince in the backcourt, with Kyle Kuzma and Giannis Antetokounmpo as the forwards and Brook Lopez at center.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
