The New Orleans Pelicans travel to the Fiserv Forum to battle the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Here’s a Bucks vs Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Bucks vs Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent form as they’ve split their last six games overall. However, they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after falling short to the streaking Hornets in a 102-95 road loss on Monday. Trey Murphy III led the team with 27 points on 10 of 20 shooting, Derik Queen added 16 points with eight rebounds and three steals while Zion Williamson tallied 14 points with 11 rebounds and four assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot just 39 percent from the field and 11 of 34 from the 3-point line as they got off to a great start. They looked to be in control after scoring 64 points in the first half to lead by as many as 22 points, but all their hard work went to waste in the second half where they scored just 31 points. This allowed the Hornets to run them down with time to spare.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have been in a major slump as they’ve lost eight of their last 10 games overall. But they will be feeling a little better after they snapped a five-game losing streak with a 131-115 win over the Bulls last night. Kyle Kuzma led the team with 31 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Ryan Rollins added 21 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists while AJ Green chipped in with 17 points. As a team, the Bucks shot 52 percent from the field and an efficient 23 of 38 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 77 points in the first half to take a 25-point lead into halftime. This was always more than enough to hold off the Bulls in the fourth quarter.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 10 road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Bucks have won each of their last seven home games against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in seven of the last eight games between the Pelicans and Bucks.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Bucks have lost each of their last 11 games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have won each of their last seven games as favorites.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Bucks’ last nine home games against the Pelicans have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games as favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Myles Turner is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
- Ryan Rollins ranks 10th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.5) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
- Derik Queen is one of only five qualified players in the league to be leading their team in rebounds (7.4) and assists (4.3) per game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.6).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (73.1%).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (2994) this season.
Bucks vs Pelicans Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing Dejounte Murray, while the Bucks have ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Harris. The Pelicans have been playing better lately, as they were starting to heat up before they dropped their last two games. Meanwhile, the Bucks are mired in their worst slump of the season and are still missing two of their best players. You couldn’t back either side with too much confidence these days, but the Pelicans are clearly the team in better form. I think they can bounce back with a much needed win and cover against this ice-cold Bucks squad.