New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Odds and best bets

The New Orleans Pelicans will try to win their second game in a row tonight at home vs. the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Pels are coming off of one of the greatest finishes to a game I’ve ever witnessed, as Devonte’ Graham hit a crazy 60 foot shot to win it seconds after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit his own miracle to tie the game.

While the win was great, it was against one of the NBA’s worst teams and the Pelicans shouldn’t have been a position to need that final shot anyway. But the “W” is all that matters in the end.

The Pelicans are now just 3.5 games out of the final play-in spot and have a chance to get there considering the teams in front of them aren’t very good.

That all starts tonight vs. the Bucks, who will likely be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis and Donte DiVincenzo, who are all out with COVID. There is a possibility that Kris Middleton will be out as well with an injury but he is listed as probable. As always, check the NBA’s official injury report before game time before making any bets.

Here are the odds and best fantasy options for the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Odds, spread and over/under

According to WynnBET, the Pelicans are three point underdogs at home vs. the shorthanded Bucks. There is still a chance Giannis will play in this one, and if he does, expect that number to move.

The money lines are set at +130 for the Pels and -150 for the Bucks, so the books think New Orleans stands a chance in this one.

The over/under is 218, awfully high for a game that might be missing some key players.

If I were going to bet this one, I’d take the Pelicans to win with the under, but it really depends on who suits up for the Bucks.

Pelicans vs. Bucks: Best fantasy bets

Just keep riding Brandon Ingram until he gives you a reason not to, as he’s been playing like an MVP candidate and stuffing the stat sheet lately.

In his last eight games, Ingram is averaging 27.8 points, 5.7 assists and six rebounds and has been a threat to go off for 30-40 points every night.

Jonas Valanciunas is also back to form after a few middling games and should be a strong play with both Giannis and Portis out.

The Pelicans’ guards will have a tough time with former Pel Jrue Holiday, so stay away from them, but I do like Josh Hart as a low-cost play, as he’s been averaging a double-double with 4.5 assists over his last three games.

How to watch

The game vs. the Bucks tips off at 7:00 PM CT and you can watch on Bally Sports New Orleans or listen on ESPN 100.3 FM.