Lakers Management Amid Playoff Bid On Their Top-Star Player Due to…

The subject of load management was at the forefront of all the major storylines before the 2023-24 NBA season tipped-off. It’s carried over into the regular season as players feel the effect of the NBA’s new 65-game directive to be eligible for postseason awards. Prior to the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, LeBron James was ruled out due to ongoing ankle and foot injury issues.

The Lakers are on the front end of a back to back with a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday and this marks the first time since Feb. 22 that James has sat out a game on a back to back. Before the game, James explained the team’s decision as per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT.

“I have to be very strategic and smart of how I manage the rest of the season with my ankle/foot in order to get to the finish line. Whatever line that lies ahead,” James said.

LeBron James nagging injury issues continue

As the oldest player in the NBA, LeBron James has become more cognizant of managing his minutes and his body. He’s still playing a little over 35 minutes per game, but that’s slightly down from his career average. Even with some of the nagging injury issues that James has had this season, he’s still only missed nine games. He’s on track to still be eligible for the NBA’s postseason awards and selections.

James’ continued excellence in his 21st season is a testament to well he’s managed himself throughout his career. He’s never really dealt with any extended injury issues; this is really the first time that injuries have started to effect his on-court appearance.

It’s the ankle issue that caused LeBron James to be sidelined for the Lakers game against the Bucks. That’s the main injury that’s plagued him throughout this year. That bothersome ankle is the main culprit behind the games he’s missed. Lakers fans are obviously hoping it’s not something that will impede James much as the playoffs approach.

Nevertheless, James has continued his streak as one of the top and most consistent players in the NBA. He’s been averaging 25.4 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.2 steals with splits of 53 percent shooting from the field, 40.6 percent shooting from the three point line and 75.1 percent shooting from the free throw line. James’ three point percentage actually ties a career-high.

With a tightening playoff race in the Western Conference, the Lakers will need James to be as healthy as possible for the stretch run. The Lakers are pretty much locked into one of the play-in spots, but there is an outside shot at finishing in the top six and avoiding the play-in altogether.

Last season, the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening play-in game to clinch the seventh seed. They eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and beat the Golden State Warriors in the second round before falling to the Denver Nuggets in a sweep in the Western Conference Finals.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers Best Bets: Player Props, Betting Lines, Odds and Predictions for 3-26-24

After a dominant performance in Sunday’s 118-93 victory versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Milwaukee Bucks will have an opportunity to build their momentum tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers travel to Fiserv Forum.  The last time these two teams faced off was earlier this month, where the Lakers were able to close out Milwaukee on their home floor.

Injury designations for the Bucks include Khris Middleton (ankle) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring).  Both are listed as probable and will likely suit up in tonight’s game.  For Los Angeles, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent have been ruled out for the contest.  LeBron James and Anthony Davis are listed as game-time decisions, but James is trending towards staying on the sidelines and Davis is probable to suit up.

The spread for tonight’s contest is set at 7.5 points in favor of the Bucks, who will be on their home floor this time around. The Bucks are a dominant team at Fiserv Forum, achieving a record of 29-7 so far this season. However, they have not had the same success covering the spread going 32-39 in that category. The Lakers have the exact same record as Milwaukee against the spread and have gone 12-20 on the road.

The total points line is set at 233.5. In the last matchup earlier this month, there were over 140 total points scored and both teams shot over 39 percent from behind the arc. Milwaukee is the third highest scoring team in the NBA averaging 120.6 points per game. Los Angeles isn’t too far behind in terms of points per game, but are averaging 129 points in their last 3 contests. There is value in tonight’s game going over the total points line of 233.5.

After being in and out of the lineup this month with an ankle injury, Khris Middleton returned to action on Sunday versus Oklahoma City and dropped a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He has hit his combined points and assists line in the past 6 matchups versus Los Angeles in his career and the Lakers have given up an average of 22 points and 4.5 assists to small forwards this season. Middleton is favored to hit this line once again tonight.

Anthony Davis, who is coming off a dominant outing versus the Indiana Pacers has value to repeat that performance once again tonight.  Davis dropped 36 points and 16 rebounds on Sunday and has hit this line in 2 of the past 3 games.  The one game he missed this line, he ended with 37 total points and rebounds.  With LeBron James likely to sit out another game, expect Davis to take over as the primary scoring option.