The Los Angeles Lakers (40-24) and Denver Nuggets (42-24) are all set to square off from Ball Arena in Denver. The Lakers had a challenging game last night against the Milwaukee Bucks. They were down big for much of the game and couldn’t generate offense outside of Luca Doncic.

Analyzing Thursday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks, predictions, and best bets for Thursday's Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers game

Despite a 22-point third-quarter deficit, the Lakers’ comeback falls short in a 111-101 loss to the Celtics. Luka Doncic scores 34, and James exits with 6:44 left due to a strained groin.

Noah Clowney scored 19 points and the Brooklyn Nets beat Los Angeles 111-108 in the Lakers’ first game since losing LeBron James to a strained left groin.

The Bucks allowed Doncic to go off for 45 points, which was the most he scored in a Lakers uniform. But with 23 points chipped in from veteran big Brook Lopez along with four blocks, the Bucks were able to get a much-needed win. After the game, Lillard took some time during his media session to heap big-time praise on the Slovenian superstar.

Luka Doncic will not play in the conclusion of the Los Angeles Lakers' four-game road trip Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

Doncic is still getting back into the flow of everything after he missed a significant amount of time due to a calf injury. The star is also working to learn the Lakers' offensive