The Milwaukee Bucks faced the New Orleans Pelicans on February 20, 2026, as both struggling teams returned to action after the All-Star break. This matchup was important for momentum rather than playoff positioning, as both franchises have endured disappointing seasons and are currently sitting near the bottom of their respective conferences.
New Orleans entered the game with a slight edge due to home advantage and a healthier core led by Zion Williamson. Milwaukee, meanwhile, continues to deal with major injury concerns, including the absence of its biggest star, which has significantly impacted its offensive consistency. With both teams ranking near the bottom defensively, this contest was expected to be competitive and potentially high-scoring.
Here is the complete preview with updated standings, recent form, injury news, head-to-head history, team stats, and best picks.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET (6:30 AM IST, Feb 21) |
| Venue | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans |
| TV & Streaming | FanDuel Sports Network, Pelicans+, NBA League Pass |
Latest Standings
| Team | Record | Conference Position | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 16–41 | 14th West | W1 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 15–42 | 13th East | L1 |
The Pelicans snapped their losing stretch with this win, while Milwaukee continues to struggle and remains deep in the Eastern Conference standings.
Recent Form & Team Momentum
New Orleans has gone 5–5 in its last 10 games, showing improvement at home where it has performed better against the spread. Milwaukee has also been inconsistent, posting a 5–5 record in its last 10, but its road form remains a concern.
Both teams have struggled defensively throughout the season, allowing opponents to score easily. This has been a key factor in many high-scoring games.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Last Meeting (Feb 4, 2026) | Bucks 141–137 Pelicans (OT) |
| Season Series | Split |
| Overall H2H | Pelicans lead 29–21 |
The previous meeting between these teams produced a high-scoring overtime thriller, highlighting defensive weaknesses on both sides.
Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Out (Calf) |
| Myles Turner | Out |
| Bobby Portis | Out |
| Taurean Prince | Out |
The absence of Giannis continues to leave a major gap in Milwaukee’s offense and leadership.
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | Out |
| Yves Missi | Out |
| Micah Peavy | Out |
| Core players (Zion, Bey, Queen, Fears) | Available |
New Orleans is dealing with injuries but still has its main scoring options available.
Team Performance Comparison (2025-26)
| Stat | Pelicans | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.6 | 111.8 |
| Points Allowed | 120.4 | 115.2 |
| Field Goal % | 46.2% | 48.1% |
| Combined Avg Points | – | 226.4 |
The combined scoring average is slightly above the total line (223.5), which supports an Over trend.
Also see: Clippers Bennedict Mathurin Drops 38 Points in Stunning Home Debut vs Nuggets
Key Players to Watch
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson – 21.6 PPG, strong inside scoring
- Trey Murphy III – 22.1 PPG (if available earlier), major offensive role
- Saddiq Bey – 16.6 PPG, reliable secondary option
- Derik Queen & Jeremiah Fears – young contributors with growing roles
Milwaukee Bucks
- Kevin Porter Jr. – 17.3 PPG, 7.6 APG, main playmaker
- Ryan Rollins – 16.9 PPG, increased usage recently
- Bobby Portis / Kyle Kuzma – interior scoring and rebounding support
- AJ Green – perimeter shooting threat
With Giannis out, Rollins and Porter Jr. are carrying most of the offensive load.
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans -4 to -4.5 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans -170 |
| Over/Under | 223.5 |
Betting Trends to Know
- Pelicans have gone over in 38 games this season.
- Combined team scoring average is 226.4 points.
- Bucks are 11–18 on the road.
- Pelicans perform better ATS at home.
- Both teams rank among the bottom in defensive efficiency.
Best Picks for Bucks vs Pelicans
Main Pick: Pelicans Moneyline or -3.5
Home advantage and Milwaukee’s injury situation give New Orleans the edge.
Total Pick: Over 223.5
Both teams have weak defenses and a history of high-scoring matchups.
Player Props
- Ryan Rollins Over 18.5 Points – heavy usage without Giannis
- Zion Williamson Over 23.5 Points – strong matchup inside
- Derik Queen Over 12.5 Points – increased role in the offense
Match Prediction
New Orleans had the advantage with a healthier core and strong home performance. Milwaukee’s offense has struggled without its star, and defensive issues on both sides point toward a close but high-scoring game.
Predicted Score: Pelicans 116 – Bucks 115
This matchup featured two teams trying to regain confidence in a difficult season. The Pelicans’ inside dominance through Zion and home-court advantage made the difference, while Milwaukee continues to search for stability without its key players. If New Orleans maintains its offensive balance, it can finish the season with stronger momentum despite its current position in the standings.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All predictions, odds, and betting picks are based on analysis and opinion, not guaranteed outcomes. Sports betting involves risk, and readers should gamble responsibly and within their legal jurisdiction. We do not encourage or promote irresponsible gambling.
