The Milwaukee Bucks return home to Fiserv Forum to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET as both teams are headed in different directions to close the season.
Milwaukee is 45-34 and sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. They’ve won five straight games, including a big comeback win over Minnesota. The Pelicans are 21-58 and 14th in the Western Conference. New Orleans has lost four in a row and is 7-33 on the road this season.
Bucks Preview – Portis Returns and Bucks Roll
The Bucks erased a 24-point deficit against the Timberwolves with a 39-8 run to close the game. Bobby Portis returned from a 25-game suspension and sparked the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo added another triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, his third straight triple-double.
Milwaukee averages 112.3 points allowed per game and holds opponents to 45.5% shooting, ranking top 10 in both categories. They are 25-14 at home this season and can secure the fifth seed with a win and a Detroit loss. Kevin Porter Jr. has stepped up recently, averaging 18 points over his last three games.
The Bucks are without Damian Lillard and Pat Connaughton but continue to get solid play from Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma. Milwaukee also ranks seventh in three-point defense and is strong on the boards, pulling in 45.2 rebounds per game. They have won seven of their last 10 against the Pelicans.
Pelicans Preview – Injury-Riddled Roster Playing Out the Season
New Orleans is without eight of its top nine scorers, including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. The current group is led by Jose Alvarado, Kelly Olynyk, and rookie Alex Reeves. Alvarado scored 16 points in the loss to Brooklyn, while Reeves led the team with 17.
The Pelicans have lost four in a row and rank 24th in the NBA in scoring at 110.0 points per game. They shoot 45.4% from the field and 35% from three, both near the bottom of the league. They’ve struggled with consistency all year, especially on the road, where they are just 7-33.
Yves Missi has shown promise with energy and rebounding, averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds last game. Olynyk helps with floor spacing but has been limited by an ankle issue. The Pelicans also struggle at the line, ranking 27th in free throw percentage at just 75.4%.
Betting Prediction
Milwaukee is favored by 14.5 points, with the total set at 221.5. The Bucks are rolling and just got a big emotional lift with Portis back in the lineup. Giannis is active and producing triple-doubles, while the Pelicans are simply shorthanded and overmatched.
New Orleans is just 7-33 on the road and has lost four straight games. Milwaukee should control this game early and pull away. Look for the Bucks to cover and the total to lean under if the game gets out of reach quickly.
Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -14.5 over New Orleans Pelicans.
The Bucks should win this game fairly easily. Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your NBA betting!
