The Lakers and Bucks still have a lot to play for this season.
With less than a month remaining before the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. While they have clinched a spot in the postseason, they're only 2.5 games ahead of the Cavaliers in third place. Milwaukee will look to create more distance from Cleveland in its final 11 games.
The situation is much shakier in Los Angeles, where the Lakers continue to fight for their postseason lives. Forget the playoffs — the Lakers still haven't secured a spot in the Play-In Tournament. They're currently 2.5 games ahead of the Warriors in 10th place and 2.5 games behind the Suns in 8th.
Tuesday's matchup marks the second and final time the Lakers and Bucks will meet this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo exploded for 34 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in the first game, but it wasn't enough to defeat the LeBron James-less Lakers, who were led by 44 points from D'Angelo Russell.
Will both stars be available for today's matchup? Here's the latest on James and Antetokounmpo's status.
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Are LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight?
The Lakers have downgraded James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) from doubtful to out for Tuesday's game. Antetokounmpo (left hamstring tendinopathy) is listed as probable.
James had appeared in six straight games for the Lakers. The last game he missed was L.A.'s win over Milwaukee on March 8 due to left ankle peroneal tendinopathy.
Antetokounmpo has appeared in each of Milwaukee's past two games. He missed back-to-back games in mid-March due to left hamstring tendinopathy.
James and Antetokounmpo have faced each other 23 times in their careers. James owns a 17-6 record in their head-to-head matchups with averages of 28.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. Antetokounmpo is averaging 24.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists against the 20-time All-Star.
The last time James and Antetokounmpo shared the court was Dec. 2, 2022.
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What channel is Lakers vs. Bucks on?
- Date: Tuesday, March 26
- TV channel: TNT
- Live streaming: Sling
Tuesday's game between the Lakers and Bucks will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more.
Lakers vs. Bucks start time
- Date: Tuesday, March 26
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Bucks is scheduled to tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisc.
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