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The New Orleans Pelicans (44-28) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) to Smoothie King Center Thursday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Bucks lead 1-0
In their 1st meeting this season (Jan. 27), the Bucks covered as 3.5-point home favorites with a 141-117 win as the Over (243) hit.
Milwaukee is 4-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in its last 6 games. The Bucks are coming off a 128-124 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, failing to cover as 9.5-point favorites. Milwaukee is 32-39-1 ATS this season and just 2-3 ATS in its last 5 on the road. The Bucks are led by F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 30.6 points per game this season.
The Pelicans lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-112 Tuesday, failing to cover as 1-point home underdogs. New Orleans has won 5 of its last 7 games and has covered in 4 of them. It is 2-2 ATS in its last 4 at home. The Pelicans are 39-31-2 ATS on the season. They are led by F Zion Williamson, who is averaging 22.7 PPG.
Bucks at Pelicans odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks -122 (bet $122 to win $100) | Pelicans +104 (bet $100 to win $104)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -1.5 (-110) | Pelicans +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Bucks at Pelicans key injuries
Bucks
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) probable
- G Patrick Beverley (wrist) out
- F Khris Middleton (ankle) probable
Pelicans
- G Jose Alvarado (hip) questionable
- F Brandon Ingram (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Bucks at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 115, Bucks 113
Moneyline
PASS.
While the plus-money value is enticing, the home side’s spread is the preferred play here.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS +1.5 (-110).
New Orleans is 5-4 ATS as a home underdog this season; meanwhile, the Bucks have consistently been road favorites and not rewarded bettors often. They are just 12-14 ATS as road favorites this season.
Milwaukee is also coming off a disappointing home game against the Lakers and has lost 2 of its last 4. It has lost 3 of its last 4 on the road. The Pelicans are 3-2 SU and ATS at home in March and 7-4-1 ATS in the month.
Considering those recent trends, back PELICANS +1.5 (-110).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 223.5 (-110).
The Pelicans have gone Over in 3 of their last 6 games and scored at least 111 points in 3 straight. The Bucks have gone Over in 4 of their last 5 and tallied at least 114 in 6 straight games, so both teams have been strong offensively.
The Bucks have also allowed 122 or more in 3 of their last 5, so their lacking defense could be a huge factor for the total. That said, back OVER 223.5 (-110).
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