Who’s Playing
Milwaukee @ New Orleans
Current Records: Milwaukee 19-11; New Orleans 9-21
What to Know
The New Orleans Pelicans will be returning home after a two-game road trip. They will take on the Milwaukee Bucks at 8 p.m. ET on Friday at Smoothie King Center. If the contest is anything like Milwaukee’s 129-125 victory from their previous meeting in February, the scorekeeper will be kept real busy.
The Pelicans skirted by the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-110 on Wednesday thanks to a clutch half-court bomb from point guard Devonte’ Graham as the clock expired. New Orleans’ small forward Brandon Ingram did his thing and had 34 points along with eight boards.
Meanwhile, while not quite a landslide, the matchup between Milwaukee and the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday was still a pretty decisive one as Milwaukee wrapped it up with a 114-99 win at home. Point guard Jrue Holiday was the offensive standout of the game for Milwaukee, posting a double-double on 26 points and 14 assists.
Barring any buzzer beaters, New Orleans is expected to win a tight contest. But bettors beware: they are only 1-3 against the spread when favored.
The Pelicans are now 9-21 while the Bucks sit at 19-11. A couple defensive numbers to keep in mind before tip-off: New Orleans has allowed their opponents to shoot 47.10% from the floor on average, which is the fourth highest shooting percentage allowed in the league. Milwaukee’s defense has more to brag about, as they they have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 43.70%, which places them third in the league.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Smoothie King Center — New Orleans, Louisiana
- TV: Bally Sports – New Orleans
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $20.00
Odds
The Pelicans are a slight 1.5-point favorite against the Bucks, according to the latest NBA odds.
The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Bucks as a 3-point favorite.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Milwaukee have won seven out of their last 12 games against New Orleans.
- Feb 25, 2021 – Milwaukee 129 vs. New Orleans 125
- Jan 29, 2021 – New Orleans 131 vs. Milwaukee 126
- Feb 04, 2020 – Milwaukee 120 vs. New Orleans 108
- Dec 11, 2019 – Milwaukee 127 vs. New Orleans 112
- Mar 12, 2019 – Milwaukee 130 vs. New Orleans 113
- Dec 19, 2018 – Milwaukee 123 vs. New Orleans 115
- Feb 25, 2018 – New Orleans 123 vs. Milwaukee 121
- Dec 13, 2017 – New Orleans 115 vs. Milwaukee 108
- Nov 10, 2016 – New Orleans 112 vs. Milwaukee 106
- Nov 01, 2016 – Milwaukee 117 vs. New Orleans 113
- Mar 12, 2016 – Milwaukee 103 vs. New Orleans 92
- Jan 23, 2016 – New Orleans 116 vs. Milwaukee 99
Injury Report for New Orleans
- Daulton Hommes: Out (Lower Leg)
- Zion Williamson: Out (Foot)
- Kira Lewis Jr.: Out for the Season (Knee)
Injury Report for Milwaukee
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo: Game-Time Decision (Calf)
- Khris Middleton: Out (Knee)
- Wesley Matthews: Out (Covid-19)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Out (Covid-19)
- Bobby Portis: Out (Covid-19)
- Donte DiVincenzo: Out (Covid-19)
- Semi Ojeleye: Out (Calf)
- Brook Lopez: Out (Back)
KVSP