The New Orleans Pelicans have finally hit their first real rough patch of the season.
They have lost three straight, including a gut-wrenching loss to the Suns in which they blew a 24 point lead. The Pels hadn’t faced many tribulations this season even though they’ve had a lot of injuries, as they had won seven straight before this recent three-game skid.
Even the best teams go through losing streaks, so it will be interesting to see how the Pelicans respond, especially after being called out by coach Willie Green.
The Bucks have won 6-of-8 to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Pels are clinging onto the two-seed in the West. Can New Orleans bounce back and get a huge win at home against Giannis, Jrue Holiday and the Bucks?
Here is all of the info you will need.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks: Odds and Spread, Over/Under
The Pels are 1.5 point underdogs at home against the Bucks according to Fanduel and the money lines are set at +102 for New Orleans and -120 for Milwaukee.
The over/under is a combined 228.5 points, which seems high considering these are two of the best defenses in the league and they only allow 220.4 points per game combined on average.
I like the under in this one, as the game should have a playoff environment and both teams are going to ramp up their defense.
Pelicans injury report: Brandon Ingram injury update
The Brandon Ingram toe saga continues and he has been ruled out again tonight which will be his 10th straight missed game. If there is one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the Pels miss Brandon Ingram, especially in close games when they need a bucket late.
Larry Nance Jr. is also questionable tonight, which would be another huge blow for the Pelicans, especially against the giant Bucks. The Pels need his defense and toughness off the bench and if he is out, they are going to have an uphill battle.
The Bucks will be missing Khris Middleton and Joe Ingles.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks: Prediction
It’s tough to make a prediction without knowing the status of Larry Nance Jr. The Pels got eviscerated by the Bucks the last time they played, but that was last season and New Orleans was missing just about everyone, having to resort to putting Garrett Temple in the starting lineup.
I think the Pels will respond to the tough defeat against the Suns and have played well at home, so if Nance Jr. is in there, I like New Orleans in a close win, but check the injury reports before the game.
New Orleans 112, Milwaukee 110
How to watch Pelicans vs Bucks
You can catch this game on Bally Sports New Orleans or listen on WRNO 99.5. The tip off is at 7:00 PM CT.
How to stream Pelicans vs. Bucks
You have two streaming options (legal ones at least) in FUBO.TV., which has a free trial and the NBA League Pass if you happen to live out of market.
*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.