Fiserv Forum saw Milwaukee race to a 14-point first-quarter lead against Boston on Sunday, only to watch the Celtics surge back and pull away. That unfinished feeling follows the Bucks into Wednesday night, when Luka Doncic and the 10-2 Los Angeles Lakers arrive at 8 p.m. EST. As of Monday’s games, Milwaukee is 1-9 and searching for the first big step in its new chapter.

The Lakers bring one of the season’s hottest attacks. They score 122.1 points per game because Doncic turns each trip down the floor into a puzzle for defenders. The 6-foot-7 star can slow the game down, use his strength near the basket, fire a deep shot, or zip a pass to an open teammate. His 39.3 points per game are a huge number, but his nearly eight assists show why Los Angeles is so hard to stop: guarding Luka often opens space for everyone else.

Austin Reaves has been a sharp second scorer, averaging 25.3 points while making more than 41 percent of his three-point tries. However, Reaves is listed out with an illness, and Quentin Grimes is also listed out with a finger injury. That puts an even brighter spotlight on Doncic, along with guard Collin Sexton and the rest of Los Angeles’ supporting cast.

The Lakers also have a giant helper waiting at the rim. Walker Kessler averages almost 11 rebounds and more than two blocks per game. A block is when a defender stops a shot before it reaches the hoop. Kessler’s size can make drivers rethink their path, while his 69.1 percent shooting shows how often he finishes close-range chances created by Doncic. He is available for this game.

Milwaukee’s answer begins with Tyler Herro, its new lead scorer during a rebuild built around young players. Herro averages 21.4 points and shoots nearly 40 percent from three-point range. He can weave around screens, pull up quickly, and create tough jumpers when an offense needs a spark. He is listed as questionable with a contusion, so his status matters greatly. If he plays, the Bucks have their best shot-maker against the Lakers’ active defense, which grabs 10.8 steals per game.

The Bucks can also challenge Los Angeles where they are strongest: near the boards. Milwaukee averages 46.5 rebounds, well above the Lakers’ 40.3. Myles Turner protects the rim with 2.5 blocks per game, while 7-foot Kel’el Ware brings springy energy, rebounding, and room to grow. Milwaukee must turn those rebounds into extra chances, not rushed passes; its 16.8 turnovers per game have too often helped opponents run ahead.

Sunday showed that Kyle Kuzma can heat up from deep, while Brayden Burries and Nate Ament can add young energy. Still, Boston’s comeback revealed the main challenge: Milwaukee must hold its focus for all four quarters against a powerful opponent.

The Bucks have the home floor and enough size to make this interesting. Yet the Lakers’ sharper shooting, stronger recent form, and Doncic’s all-around control give them the edge. Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers win.

Luka Doncic Brings the Lakers’ Fast Start to Milwaukee