Two of the NBA’s best will meet tonight out West, though the Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing season has drawn attention away from Giannis Antetokounmpo, just as the Los Angeles Lakers’ likely slide in the West is diminishing Luka Doncic’s hype.
My Bucks vs. Lakers predictions still trust in Giannis.
Read on for my NBA picks for Friday, January 9.
Bucks vs Lakers prediction
Bucks vs Lakers best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 points (-105)
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a bad spot, currently sitting No. 11 in the East and 4.5 games away from escaping the Play-In Tournament.
It may seem too early to note those things in the standings, but Milwaukee is 45% of the way through the season. We are getting to a point where both making up those games and jumping five teams would be too much of an ask.
Which is part of why the world has not properly noticed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive return from a calf worry. In early December, there was some doubt about whether Giannis would ever play for the Bucks again.
Now, Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in his last four games, and it can be reasonably argued he would have scored at least 30 points in all six games back if not for a minutes restriction in his first two games.
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Bucks vs Lakers same-game parlay
In his six games back, Antetokounmpo has not taken a single 3-pointer in as many games as he had made one. He has shot just 3-of-9 from deep in those six games.
Effectively, Antetokounmpo is in good health, and he is showing it by getting inside. Of course, he is also showing it defensively.
Bucks vs Lakers SGP
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 0.5 threes
- Under 230.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Giannis!
The Los Angeles Lakers have not beaten a quality opponent since a two-point win at Phoenix on Dec. 14.
Are the Bucks a quality opponent? With Antetokounmpo looking 100%, arguably so.
Bucks vs Lakers SGP
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 0.5 threes
- Under 230.5
- Bucks moneyline
Bucks vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Bucks +3 (-110) | Lakers -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bucks +135 | Lakers -160
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
Bucks vs Lakers betting trend to know
Three straight Lakers games have gone Under their totals, as have six of their last seven, and by an average of 12.9 points, even including the one over. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Lakers.
How to watch Bucks vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN WI, SPECSN |
Bucks vs Lakers latest injuries
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