Showdown in Milwaukee: Bucks and Lakers Fight to Snap Losing Streaks
Two contending teams looking to break out of brief losing skids will clash Thursday night as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum.
The Lakers entered their recent East Coast road trip as one of the NBA’s hottest teams, riding an eight-game winning streak. However, they have since dropped consecutive games, falling to the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. Their most recent defeat, a 111-108 loss to Brooklyn on Monday, came without LeBron James, who remains sidelined with a groin strain.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick voiced his frustration after the loss, citing defensive lapses as a key issue. “I don’t think being shorthanded is an excuse for how we played basketball tonight,” Redick said. “We ball-watched all night. They probably made six to seven uncontested (3-pointers). Just shortcuts; you got to do the hard stuff.”
Meanwhile, the Bucks suffered a heartbreaking 115-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch running 3-pointer, which turned into a game-winning four-point play in the final seconds, handed Milwaukee its third straight defeat.
Turnovers proved costly for the Bucks, as they committed 15 in the loss. Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged their impact, saying, “I thought our turnovers really hurt us. … we had bad turnovers tonight. They were the type of turnovers that they (the Pacers) get, we made turnovers that you just can’t make in a playoff game.”
Both teams are dealing with injuries. James will miss at least 1-2 weeks, while Rui Hachimura (knee) remains out for the entirety of the Lakers’ road trip. Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) were unavailable Monday, and their status for Thursday is uncertain. The Bucks will be without Bobby Portis due to suspension, while Tyler Smith (back) and Chris Livingston (illness) could also be sidelined.
Milwaukee has leaned heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averages 30.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, while Damian Lillard contributes over seven assists per contest. Brook Lopez continues to be a defensive force with 1.9 blocks per game.
For the Lakers, James leads the team with 25 points and 8.5 assists per game, while Luka Dončić, since joining the team, has put up impressive numbers: 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and eight assists per contest.
The two teams are meeting for the first time this season, with a second matchup scheduled for next Thursday in Los Angeles. The Lakers have won two straight against the Bucks, sweeping last season’s series with a thrilling 123-122 win at home and a dramatic 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee.
Notably, James also missed last year’s visit to Milwaukee, while Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant 29-point, 21-rebound performance. Lillard also impressed, scoring 27 points and dishing out eight assists.
A key battle in this game will be at the rim. The Lakers lead the NBA in field goal percentage in the restricted area (72.3%), but Milwaukee will rely on Antetokounmpo, Lopez, and newly acquired Jericho Sims to limit those high-percentage looks.
With both teams aiming to shake off recent struggles, Thursday’s showdown presents a crucial opportunity to get back on track.
