Bucks will beat Lakers in potential NBA Finals preview

Is it getting hot in here or is it just our takes? BetAmerica columnists Ashley Anderson, Jeremy Balan, Ryan Murphy and Thomas Tassone share their sizzling picks for this weekend’s sports action. Handle with caution!

NCAAB: No. 1 Kansas at Texas Tech, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Ashley: The Kansas Jayhawks seem unstoppable at the moment, but a road test in Lubbock could end their 15-win streak. On Feb. 1, the Red Raiders fell by just three points in Lawrence and get a chance at revenge on senior night Saturday. Texas Tech started off strong this season but is now on the bubble as a March Madness selection. Saturday’s matchup is an opportunity to get a win for the first time in three games and boost the Red Raiders’ confidence before they fight for an automatic bid in the Big Ten conference tournament.

NCAAB: Loyola Marymount (+7) vs. San Francisco, Friday, 9 p.m. ET

Jeremy: Loyola Marymount (11-20) and San Francisco (20-11) have reverse records, so what gives? LMU might have just four wins in its last 13 games, but the Lions are 9-4 against the spread in that stretch, and cruised to victory last night as a two-point favorite against San Diego in the first round of the WCC playoffs. The second round in Las Vegas won’t be so easy, against a USF squad that defeated LMU, 69-67, a week ago, but the Lions are in a familiar situation. LMU has been the underdog against USF in their last nine meetings, dating back to January of 2016. The Lions have covered in eight and have won outright five times.

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks (+1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET

Ryan: This might be the only time this season you’ll find the Bucks at plus odds and you need to jump on this line IMMEDIATELY before bookmakers come to their senses. Not only is Milwaukee leading the NBA in wins, defensive rating, and net rating, but the Bucks also hammered the Lakers 111-104 the first time they met this season on Dec. 19. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way in that game with 34 points and 11 rebounds and Milwaukee shot 41% from deep and outrebounded L.A. 53-45. The final margin of victory may have been just seven points, but the outcome was never in doubt as the Bucks used a balanced attack to keep the Lakers on their heels. Tonight’s game will be a squeaker, but Milwaukee will once again prove why it's the best team in the NBA.

Serie A: Juventus vs. Inter Milan, Sunday, 2:45 p.m. ET

Thomas: Due to the devastating Coronavirus outbreak in Italy, all Serie A games will be played behind closed doors until April 3. With a nonexistent atmosphere in the Allianz Stadium tomorrow, I think it’s a great opportunity to grab Inter Milan at +245 as they travel to Turin for a showdown against arch rivals Juventus. Look for Antonio Conte’s men to have a strong performance against an unconvincing Juventus side that struggled to create chances against Lyon in the Champions League last week. I think Inter will earn a season defining victory tomorrow that’ll provide the squad with immense confidence as the Serie A title race heats up!

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