The LA Lakers begin their six-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The Lakers are coming off a 3-1 homestand, winning their last three consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Bucks are unbeaten at Fiserv Forum in their past six games.
It's the second and final matchup of the year between the Lakers and the Bucks. They met three weeks ago in LA on Mar. 8, where the Lakers won 123-122 without LeBron James. D'Angelo Russell steered the Lakers' ship with a season-best 44-point game, while Spencer Dinwiddie made the game-winning block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a 34-point triple-double, while Damian Lillard finished with 28 points and 12 assists, but the Bucks failed to execute their plans down the stretch despite leading by six with 1:54 left.
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LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Injury Reports
LA Lakers injury report for Mar. 26
The Lakers will be without LeBron James again, as he's doubtful. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is probable and likely to play.
Colin Castleton, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt will also be on the sidelines.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report for Mar. 26
The Bucks have listed Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton as probable, while MarJon Beauchamp is questionable.
Also read: Lakers vs Bucks Injury Reports for March 26
LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
With LeBron James missing the game, the Lakers could deploy the same lineup that played on Mar. 8 against the Bucks. D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves were the starting guards, while Spencer Dinwiddie started next to Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis on the frontcourt.
Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth chart
The Bucks are unlikely to make changes to their starting lineup. Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley will likely start as the guards, while Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez will be in the frontcourt.
LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Key Matchups
The Lakers and Bucks have produced highly entertaining games because of key player matchups, which make this a close contest. The first is between Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The latter created some separation from his counterpart after winning two MVPs and a DPOY after comparisons between the two during LA's 2020 championship run.
Regardless of Giannis probably being labeled as the better player, AD has done well in their previous matchups. He's matched the "Greek Freak's" physicality and production while doing a decent job on defense. The same goes for Giannis, making this a decisive duel.
The other key matchup is between Spencer Dinwiddie and. Damian Lillard. Dinwiddie will likely get the start and the assignment to guard Lillard. The former Nets guard has the length and ability to move against someone with Lillard's skill, which allowed him to do a solid job when the teams faced off last game.
Limiting Lillard from having a big outing could be the key for LA, while the Bucks' point guard prevailing in the matchup reduces the Lakers' chances of doing well defensively. They don't have depth outside of Dinwiddie to put the stops on Lillard.
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