Bucks vs. Pelicans prediction, odds, pick, spread

These two teams are hot going into this match. The Bucks had a better season, but the Pelicans finally found their style. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Bucks-Pelicans prediction and pick.

The Bucks had a slow start to the season, but are now one of the best teams in the NBA, going 24-17. The Bucks go with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard still dominant, making this an incredible duo. They can win this game against the Pelicans because they are arguably the hottest team in the NBA. This would be a big win for the Bucks on the road.

The Pelicans have talent and could have been a wild card in the Western Conference, but their season has been uneven and they are 12-32. They had so much potential this year, but injuries derailed their season. Zion Williamson is expected to be available and a big help alongside CJ McCollum, but Brandon Ingram remains unavailable due to injury.

Here’s Bucks-Pelican NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Bucks-Pelicans odds

Milwaukee Bucks: -8.5 (-110)

Moneilines: -330

New Orleans Pelicans: +8.5 (-110)

Moneiline: +265

Over: 230 (-110)

Under: 230 (-110)

How to watch Bucks vs. Pelicans

Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why Dollars Could Cover the Spread/Win

The Bucks offense had a solid season coming into this matchup. They are 12th in scoring at 114 points per game, sixth in field goal percentage at 48.3% from the field, and second in three-point shooting at 38.8% from behind the arc. Five dollars averages more than double digits, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top player on the roster with 31.5 points per game. Damian Lillard also leads the team in assists with 7.1 per game.

This team follows Antetokounmpo’s lead, and with Damian Lillardthey are one of the best duos in the NBA. This offense has balance, but those two are the big keys. This offense should be able to easily score against a Pelicans defense that has struggled this season, although they have been playing better of late.

The Bucks defense got a lot better as the season went on. They are ninth in points allowed at 111.1 points per game, third in field goal percentage at 45.1% from the field and 10th in three-point percentage at 35.5% from behind the arc. They have one of the best front lines in the NBA with Brook Lopez, Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. Antetokounmpo leads the team in rebounding with 12 rebounds per game, while Lopez leads in blocks with 1.9 per game.

Then, with on-ball defense, two players are averaging at least one steal, with Lillard leading the team with 1.3 per game. The Bucks have been one of the better defenses in the NBA, especially lately, and should have a huge advantage on paper against the Pelicans on offense, despite how well they are playing right now.

Why the Pelicans could cover the spread/win

The Pelican’s offense has been struggling, but has been much better of late. They are 24th in scoring at 109.2 points per game, 27th in field goal percentage at 44.3% from the field and 23rd in three-point shooting at 34.4% from the field. Eight Pelicans players are averaging double figures in points, with CJ McCollum leading the team with 22.4 points per game. Dejounte Murray leads the team in assists with 7.7 per game.

Although Brandon Ingram was injured in this game, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson commit this offence. The Pelicans have plenty of options and balance on offense, even without Brandon Ingram. They should score in this game because they have been playing much better lately, but this is still a tough matchup based on how well Milwaukee is playing defense.

The Pelicans defense has struggled this year. They are 25th in points per game, at 117.2, 28th in field goal percentage, at 48%, and 16th in three-point field goal percentage, at 36.1%.

Yves Missy and Zion Williamson are tied for the team lead in rebounding with 8.2 per game. Missy leads the team in blocks with 1.4 per game and Williamson is second with 1.2 per game. Finally, seven players are averaging at least one steal, with Dejounte Murray leading the team with 2.2 per game.

This defense had so much potential, but fell off a cliff. This is also a bad matchup against the Bucks because of how well the Bucks played offensively as a unit.

Final Bucks-Pelicans Prediction & Pick

The Bucks are the better team and haven’t been beaten as much. The Pelicans are missing Ingram and Williamson is still not 100%. Bucks should win and cover. Giannis and Lillard will score easily against the Pelicans, and they should be the team to stop New Orleans on their hot streak, even on the road.

Final Bucks-Pelicans Prediction & Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -8.5 (-110)