The Milwaukee Bucks (42-7) visit New Orleans to play the Pelicans (20-30) in a game that will likely be up-tempo. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 245 points with Milwaukee set as a 6-point favorite at PointsBet NJ Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
The last time the Bucks played, they easily covered the 12.5-point spread against the Phoenix Suns, 129-108. The combined points for the game (237) came in just over the O/U total of 235. Milwaukee’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The Bucks had a rate of 0.572 (above their season average of 0.560), while the Suns posted a mark of 0.419 (below their season average of 0.526). With 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Khris Middleton was Milwaukee’s leading scorer.
The Pelicans fell to the Houston Rockets in their last game, 117-109. They failed to cover as 5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (226) finished well under the projected point total of 252. Houston’s turnover percentage was the team’s largest advantage over New Orleans. The Rockets posted a mark of 5.8 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Pelicans had a rate of 17.0 (above their season average of 13.0). Brandon Ingram had a good performance for New Orleans, leading the team in scoring with 28 points on 10-for-23 shooting.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Eric Bledsoe put up 29 points and six assists and the Bucks beat the Pelicans 127-112, covering as 9-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 239 points, which was 6.5 points above the projected point total of 232.5 points. Milwaukee had a much better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 17.7). New Orleans, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (18-22; 81.8 percent).
Milwaukee comes into the game with records of 42-7 straight up (SU) and 27-22 against the spread (ATS). Bucks games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (51.0 percent).
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 20-30 SU and 24-23-3 ATS. Pelicans games have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (56.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Middleton (27 points,6.2 rebounds,5.8 assists) has been stellar for the Bucks while Zion Williamson (19 points,7.8 rebounds) has made solid contributions to the Pelicans.
There should be plenty of transition action in this battle that showcases two of the NBA’s more fast-paced teams. New Orleans ranks fifth in possessions per game (106.2) and Milwaukee is first (106.5). Also, the second-ranked offense of the Bucks (offensive efficiency of 112.7) will try to take advantage of the 23rd-ranked defense of the Pelicans (defensive efficiency of 110.3).
Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans Odds Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Milwaukee is 13-10 ATS on the road with 12 unders and 11 overs.
New Orleans is 13-12 ATS at home with 14 overs and 11 unders.
New Orleans is 3-0 when they allow below 100 points, while Milwaukee is 11-0.
The Bucks are 42-7 when they reach the century mark, while the Pelicans are 20-27.
Milwaukee ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (38.5) while New Orleans ranks 28th (52.6).
The Pelicans rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.0) while the Bucks rank last in three pointers allowed per game (38.6).
Milwaukee ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while New Orleans ranks 25th (14.0).
The Bucks average 19.0 fast break points per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (14.8).
Milwaukee ranks eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.6) while New Orleans ranks 27th (18.9).
The Bucks average 51.7 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the league. The Pelicans rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (45.7).
Milwaukee ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (7.2) while New Orleans ranks 25th (8.4).
The Bucks rank fourth in assists per game (26.3) while the Pelicans rank 15th in assists allowed per game (24.2).
Milwaukee ranks third in blocks per game (6.4) while New Orleans ranks 10th (5.3).
Over its last five games, Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
New Orleans is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Bucks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.0, down from 12.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 120.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (5.1 below their season average).