The Milwaukee Bucks (16-21) travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers (23-12) on Friday, January 9, at 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena, with both teams managing significant injury concerns.
Milwaukee is on a one-game losing streak after falling 113-120 to the Warriors, while Los Angeles also lost their previous outing, 91-107 at San Antonio.
The Bucks will be without Alex Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance (both G League two-way), and Taurean Prince (neck surgery), leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averages 29.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, as the central figure in their offense. Kevin Porter Jr. adds 18.4 points and 7.8 assists per game, while Ryan Rollins contributes 17.2 points and 5.7 assists.
Los Angeles faces uncertainty around LeBron James (left foot arthritis, right sciatica) and Rui Hachimura (right calf strain), with Austin Reaves out (left calf strain) and Adou Thiero sidelined (right MCL sprain).
Luka Doncic leads the team with 33.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, supported by Deandre Ayton’s 14.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, and Marcus Smart adding 9.5 points and 3 assists.
Both teams have yet to meet this season, making this a pivotal game for conference positioning. Milwaukee ranks 11th in the Eastern Conference, while Los Angeles is 5th in the Western Conference.
