Expect a ton of points to be scored when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. These are two of the top three scoring teams in the league this season, and neither team is scared to take an early shot. Milwaukee defeated New Orleans by a score of 123-115 earlier this season, but this Pelicans team will look a little different.
The Pelicans have lost three straight games after winning three straight games. New Orleans comes into this game with a record of 30-39, and they won’t be a playoff team this season. The Bucks have been struggling a bit of late as well, going just 2-3 in their last five games. Milwaukee still leads the NBA with a record of 50-17 this season. The Bucks are 9.0 point favorites in this game.
Randle, Holiday Picking Up Scoring Slack
With All-Star center Anthony Davis having his minutes limited for the remainder of the season, Julius Randle and Jrue Holiday have been picking up the slack. Randle and Holiday have combined for more 41 points per game this season, and they are both having huge games of late. Holiday has also chipped in with 7.7 assists this season and sets the tone for the New Orleans offense. Expect a big night from the future faces of this franchise.
The Pelicans don’t play much defense this season, but they are a blast to watch on offense. New Orleans comes into this game averaging 115.6 points per night, but they also are allowing 115.4 points per night. Not many teams try to run with the explosive Milwaukee Bucks, but that is the only way that the Pelicans know how to play.
Shooting Only Question Mark For Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have been putting up big offensive numbers all season long, but they still need to make shots with more consistency. Milwaukee is averaging 117.4 points per game, but they are shooting just 35 percent from the three-point line. Point guard Malcolm Brogdon is the best shooter on the Bucks roster, making close to 43 percent of his three-point attempts.
Talking about the Milwaukee Bucks starts and stops with the “Greek Freak.” Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks in nearly every offensive category and is an MVP candidate this season. The All-Star is averaging 27.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this season in leading the Bucks team. Milwaukee has a ton of other talent to surround the “Greek Freak,” but they are going to go as far as he can take them. If this game is played at a quick pace, Antetokounmpo might just put on a show.
Pelicans Keep it Close
Even though the Pelicans have been all but eliminated from postseason contention, they are still battling down the stretch. The Bucks aren’t nearly as good on the road as they are at home, and both teams can put up points in a hurry. Milwaukee should have enough talent to win this game, but it’s gonna be close. Take the 9.0 points and bet the New Orleans Pelicans against the Milwaukee Bucks.
