The New Orleans Pelicans (13-39) and Milwaukee Bucks (19-29) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will broadcast live on FDSWI.
The Pelicans are 4.5-point favorites over the Bucks on the spread (Pelicans -4.5), with the over/under set at 222.5 total points. New Orleans is a -185 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Milwaukee is +155 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into our Pelicans vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, February 4.
Pelicans vs Bucks Prediction, Picks
- Pelicans vs Bucks pick: Pelicans Moneyline (-185)
Our Bucks vs Pelicans best bet is on New Orleans moneyline at -185. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Pelicans vs Bucks Odds
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -115 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | -185 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -105 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | +155 |
Pelicans vs Bucks NBA Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans head to Milwaukee looking to stop a three-game road skid as they take on the Bucks in an interesting non-conference matchup tonight.
Despite owning one of the worst records in the Western Conference at 13-39, New Orleans enters this game as a road favorite, a reflection of both matchup dynamics and Milwaukee’s ongoing concerns in the middle of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.
The Pelicans are coming off a 102-95 loss to a surging Hornets team that has won seven straight games. That defeat followed New Orleans’ most recent win, a 114-106 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
While the results have been inconsistent, the Pelicans have shown stretches of efficient offensive play, particularly when the ball is moving and they are able to attack mismatches in transition and early offense.
Milwaukee snapped a five-game losing streak in its last outing with a convincing 131-115 win over the Bulls. Kyle Kuzma led the way by tying a season high with 31 points, helping the Bucks take advantage of a short-handed opponent.
However, context matters. The Bucks were once again without Antetokounmpo, who continues to recover from a right calf strain suffered on January 23 and is in every sports headline for a possible trade.
Milwaukee has struggled mightily in his absence posting a 4-15 record without the two-time MVP.
Pelicans vs Bucks Predictions, Betting Analysis
This matchup fits cleanly into our “Undervalued vs. Bad Defense” spread betting system.
The Pelicans are a classic example of a team whose underlying performance indicators suggest they are better than their record and public perception.
Despite their struggles in the standings, New Orleans has shown flashes of offensive efficiency that are not fully reflected in market pricing, especially against teams that defend poorly.
Milwaukee, particularly without Antetokounmpo, has consistently failed to contain efficient offenses, allowing high scoring efficiency and struggling to string together stops.
The modest moneyline attached to New Orleans signals a relatively balanced matchup, but it also overlooks the defensive mismatch created by a Bucks team that has been overextended and undermanned.
Subtle market support toward the Pelicans reinforces the idea that bettors are beginning to recognize the edge, yet the number still appears short given the circumstances.
With New Orleans’ offense better positioned to exploit Milwaukee’s defensive weaknesses and the Bucks continuing to adjust without their primary scorer and anchor, this is a spot where the Pelicans’ true performance level is undervalued.
Pick: Pelicans Moneyline (-185)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this game.
Moneyline
Our Bucks vs. Pelicans betting prediction is on New Orleans to win outright on the moneyline at -185.
Over/Under
No play on the total here.
Bucks vs Pelicans Betting Trends
