New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & Picks

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.04.26

In a regular-season matchup scheduled for February 4th, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (13-39) face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (19-29). This game presents a fascinating dynamic, with both teams looking to salvage their seasons, albeit under very different circumstances. The Bucks, despite their superior record, are grappling with significant internal and injury challenges that could swing the momentum in favor of the visiting Pelicans.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview

New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends

The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a challenging season, reflected in their 13-39 record. However, they possess offensive firepower, particularly through Trey Murphy III, who leads the team with an impressive 21.6 points per game. Murphy III’s all-around game, averaging 21.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 0.3 BPG, makes him a crucial two-way threat. Rookie Derik Queen has also shown promise, leading the team in rebounds with 7.4 per game and assists with 4.3 per game, showcasing his versatile impact despite his youth. The Pelicans will need their core to step up against a shorthanded Bucks squad.

Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans

Hunter Dickinson (Day-to-day): Dickinson logged 12 points (6-9 FG), five rebounds, three assists and two steals across 23 minutes of Thursday’s 132-125 preseason loss to Orlando. His availability could provide a boost to the frontcourt.
Dejounte Murray (Out): Pelicans head coach James Borrego said Sunday that Murray (Achilles) is “making a lot of progress” but doesn’t appear to be close to making his season debut. “We hope to get him back in our building here soon. He’s doing a lot of work getting ready to get back here,” Borrego said. “I say in the next month we’ll have a little bit more clarity on where he’s at. But he’s made a lot of progress. Significant progress.”

Milwaukee Bucks Key Stats & Trends

The Milwaukee Bucks, despite their sub-.500 record, have seen promising individual performances. Ryan Rollins has emerged as a key offensive contributor, leading the team with 16.5 points per game and 5.5 assists per game. His overall rating of 16.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.4 BPG highlights his importance, especially in the absence of star power. Bobby Portis remains a consistent force on the glass, averaging 6.7 rebounds per game. However, the team’s overall performance has been hampered by significant injury woes and internal discord.

Injury Report Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis (Day-to-day): Portis (hip) is out for Tuesday’s game against the Bulls. His status for this game is uncertain.
Kevin Porter Jr. (Out): Head coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday that Porter (oblique) is getting close to returning and could play as soon as Wednesday against the Pelicans. His return would be a much-needed offensive injection.
Gary Harris (Out): Harris (hamstring) will not play Tuesday against the Bulls. He is a key perimeter defender.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Out): Antetokounmpo (calf) is “ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for him,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. This suggests he is likely out and possibly on his way out of Milwaukee.
Taurean Prince (Out): The Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince earlier this month, indicating that they anticipate that he’s “substantially more likely than not” to be unable to play through June 15. This is a long-term absence.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the extensive injury list and the reported internal turmoil surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are severely depleted. The potential absence of Giannis, Portis, Harris, and the long-term loss of Prince leaves a massive void. While Kevin Porter Jr. might return, it’s unlikely to fully compensate for such significant losses. The New Orleans Pelicans, despite their poor record, have healthy key players in Trey Murphy III and Derik Queen who can capitalize on the Bucks’ vulnerabilities. Murphy III’s scoring prowess will be crucial against a likely weakened Bucks defense. Therefore, the definitive prediction is for the New Orleans Pelicans to secure the win.

For the total points line set at 222.5, we anticipate an over. Even without Giannis, the Bucks still have offensive pieces like Ryan Rollins, and if Porter Jr. returns, their scoring capabilities will improve. The Pelicans, led by Murphy III, are capable of putting up points, and the Bucks’ defense, without its mainstays, is likely to struggle. This combination suggests a higher-scoring affair.

Last 5 Games: NO

Form:

LLWLW

VS @ Charlotte

L 102-95

PTS Murphy III 27

REB Williamson 11

AST Bey 5

VS @ Philadelphia

L 124-114

PTS Bey 34

REB Murphy III 9

AST Jones 5

VS vs Memphis

W 114-106

PTS Queen 22

REB Queen 9

AST Queen 7

VS @ Oklahoma City

L 104-95

PTS Williamson 21

REB Bey 13

AST Bey 5

VS @ San Antonio

W 104-95

PTS Bey 24

REB Missi 14

AST Murphy III 9

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
@ Charlotte	L 102-95	Murphy III 27	Williamson 11	Bey 5
@ Philadelphia	L 124-114	Bey 34	Murphy III 9	Jones 5
vs Memphis	W 114-106	Queen 22	Queen 9	Queen 7
@ Oklahoma City	L 104-95	Williamson 21	Bey 13	Bey 5
@ San Antonio	W 104-95	Bey 24	Missi 14	Murphy III 9

Last 5 Games: MIL

Form:

WLLLL

VS vs Chicago

W 131-115

PTS Kuzma 31

REB Kuzma 10

AST Rollins 10

VS @ Boston

L 107-79

PTS Rollins 25

REB Portis 12

AST Rollins 7

VS @ Washington

L 109-99

PTS Turner 21

REB Turner 14

AST Rollins 8

VS @ Philadelphia

L 139-122

PTS Turner 31

REB Portis 12

AST Portis 8

VS vs Denver

L 102-100

PTS Antetokounmpo 22

REB Antetokounmpo 13

AST Antetokounmpo 7

Opponent	Result	Points	Rebounds	Assists
vs Chicago	W 131-115	Kuzma 31	Kuzma 10	Rollins 10
@ Boston	L 107-79	Rollins 25	Portis 12	Rollins 7
@ Washington	L 109-99	Turner 21	Turner 14	Rollins 8
@ Philadelphia	L 139-122	Turner 31	Portis 12	Portis 8
vs Denver	L 102-100	Antetokounmpo 22	Antetokounmpo 13	Antetokounmpo 7

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.04.26