The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of struggling teams at opposite ends of the standings. The Pelicans, mired in a dismal season with injuries and inconsistency, look to break a three-game road losing streak against a Bucks squad missing star Giannis Antetokounmpo and dealing with trade deadline rumors. Milwaukee snapped a five-game skid in their last outing, but without their MVP, they face an uphill battle. New Orleans, favored despite their record, could exploit the Bucks’ vulnerabilities in a game that might hinge on frontcourt battles and defensive lapses. This inter-conference clash offers value for bettors given the injuries and form.
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (capacity: 17,341; known for its passionate fans and as a tough venue, though Milwaukee’s struggles have dimmed the atmosphere this season).
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. local time).
Broadcast: FDSWI (local Bucks), Gulf Coast Sports and Pelicans+ (local Pelicans).
Recent Team Forms
Pelicans: Losers of six of their last nine, including a 95-102 defeat at Charlotte on Feb 2. They rank 22nd in offensive rating (114.0) and last in defensive rating (120.9), struggling with turnovers and rebounding. Form: L-L-W-L-L (averaging 110.4 PPG scored, 116.2 PPG allowed in last 5).
Bucks: Snapped a five-game losing streak with a 131-115 win over Chicago on Feb 3, but 2-8 in last 10. They rank 27th offensively (111.1) and 15th defensively (115.6), hampered by injuries and trade rumors. Form: W-L-L-L-L (averaging 115.4 PPG scored, 119.8 PPG allowed in last 5).
Injury Report
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Out: Dejounte Murray (G, Achilles – no timetable), Trey Alexander (G, G League – two-way), Hunter Dickinson (G, G League – two-way).
Bucks:
Out: Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, Calf – no timetable), Taurean Prince (F, Neck), Gary Harris (SG, Hamstring).
Day-to-Day: Bobby Portis (PF, Hip), Kevin Porter Jr. (SG, Oblique).
Key Player Matchups
Zion Williamson (Pelicans PF) vs. Brook Lopez (Bucks C): Williamson’s athleticism (17.0 PPG recent) vs. Lopez’s rim protection (1.5 BPG). Williamson attacks inside; Lopez spaces floor.
Trey Murphy III (Pelicans SF) vs. Khris Middleton (Bucks SF): Murphy’s shooting (27 PPG recent) vs. Middleton’s scoring (18.5 PPG). Murphy exploits Bucks’ perimeter D.
Derik Queen (Pelicans C) vs. Bobby Portis (Bucks PF – Day-to-Day): Queen’s rebounding (16 PPG, double-double potential) vs. Portis’s energy (if playing). Queen dominates paint without Giannis.
Herbert Jones (Pelicans SF) vs. Damian Lillard (Bucks PG): Jones’s defense (1.3 SPG) vs. Lillard’s scoring (25.0 PPG). Jones could limit Lillard’s drives.
Series History
The Pelicans lead the all-time series 29-20. In the last 10 meetings, New Orleans holds a 7-3 edge, with an average margin of 10.4 points. Recent games: Pelicans won 111-107 on Apr 6, 2025; Bucks won 136-111 on Apr 10, 2025; Pelicans won 107-100 on Mar 28, 2024; Bucks won 141-117 on Jan 27, 2024; Bucks won 135-110 on Jan 29, 2023. Over the last 5, the series is 3-2 for Pelicans, with totals going over in 3. Home team is 3-2 in last 5.
Betting Trends
ATS: Pelicans 4-6 in last 10; Bucks 5-5 ATS last 10; Underdogs 5-5 ATS in last 10 H2H.
Over/Under: Over in 4 of Pelicans’ last 10; Under in 6 of Bucks’ last 10; Over in 3 of last 5 H2H.
Historical: Favorites 7-3 ATS in last 10 H2H; Home teams 3-2 SU in last 5.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans – 5.5
Milwaukee Bucks 222.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026
