New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/03/2024, 03:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 28/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks will travel to the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA on Thursday night. The hosts are 44-28 and fifth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 46-26 and second in the Eastern Conference. 

Milwaukee have not been at their absolute best lately, splitting their last ten games five apiece. They will now be looking to regain some momentum after throwing away a 20-point second-half lead in their double overtime 128-124 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo once again led the team with 29 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists, while Malik Beasley added 21 points, three rebounds and an assist. The Bucks rank third in the NBA this season in scoring offense and are putting up 120.6 points per game, 10.1 more than the Pelicans usually allow. Milwaukee have been better offensively at home, where they average 122.9 points per game, compared to road games, where they put up 118.2 per game. Defensively, though, they are far less impressive, allowing 117.0 points per game which ranks down in 22nd spot in the league to date. Patrick Beverley is the only player listed as a doubt for the Bucks in this one. 

Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been solid lately, winning seven of their last ten games overall. However, they will be looking to return to winning ways here after running out of steam to lose 122-119 against the OKC Thunder on Tuesday night. Averaging 115.7 points per game, the Pelicans are putting up 1.3 fewer points than the Bucks allow and are ranked 13th overall in the NBA. New Orleans score 116.5 points per game at home and 115.0 on the road. They are shooting 38.0% from beyond the arc, which is the sixth-best record in the NBA, and their opponents are shooting 34.5%. On defense, New Orleans are allowing 110.5 points per game, ranking eighth in the league. Dyson Daniels, Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado are all listed as doubts here.