Clash of Giants, Giannis and the Bucks Visit Zion in the Big Easy
Bucks vs Pelicans Preview, Odds and More
Your Bucks vs Pelicans preview is here! We are Going to take a look at the NBA scoreboard, spreads, player props, and more.
The Pelicans have been rolling lately winning seven of their last 10 games and sporting a top-ten offense and a shocking top-three defense since the All-Star break.
Now they will face the Milwaukee Bucks without their star forward Brandon Ingram, who is said to miss at least a couple weeks with a knee injury. They are currently the fourth seed in a packed Western Conference.
The Bucks, who are only 5-5 in their last ten games, are still sitting at the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They have, however, won four of their last six games, including wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. They’re coming off a disappointing loss in Los Angeles Tuesday against the Lakers.
Continue on for more NBA odds and matchup analysis in this Bucks vs Pelicans preview.
Day/Time:
Records: Bucks (46-26)/Pelicans (44-28)
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Streaming: NBA League , Bally Sports New Orleans, WMLW The M
No More Po’ Boys
Zion has been a different type of beast lately. Often criticized for his weight, Zion looks as physically dominant as he ever has. The difference is, that Zion is learning how to use his power size, and explosiveness in ways we haven’t seen before.
The Pelicans have moved Zion into a primary ball-handling role, further accentuated by the loss of Brandon Ingram, and he is completely thriving.
Since the All-Star break, Zion has increased his points rebounds, and assist averages, and has averaged 23.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 17 NBA games since the All-Star Game.
He has gone over his points+rebounds+assists prop totals in eight of his last 10 games. Although the Bucks have a solid defense, not many have been able to stop Zion. Check out his points+rebounds+assists prop over on Thursday.
FG% Leaders
1. Rudy Gobert — 64.6
2. Nic Claxton — 63.2
3. Jarrett Allen — 62.7
4. Jalen Duren — 62.5
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo — 61.4
6. Domantas Sabonis — 60.4
7. Zion Williamson — 58.6
8. Nikola Jokic — 58.1
9. Deandre Ayton — 58.0
10. Obi Toppin — 56.6 pic.twitter.com/8LchsILB8b— NBA Hoops (@NBA_Hoops_245) March 27, 2024
Another NBA player that has been key to the Pelican success, although somewhat forgotten, is CJ McCollum. McCollum is averaging under 20 points per game for the first time since 2014 but has been a steady presence and contributor for the Pelicans all season long.
In the three games since Ingram got injured, McCollum has scored 23, 23, and 30 points and distributed five, five, and seven assists. He has hit the over on his points and assists prop in all of those games. Expect close to 30 points assist combined from McCollum on Thursday, take the over.
Don’t Get Complacent
The Bucks are feeling pretty comfortable. After what some would call a turbulent season, they are the second seed in the Eastern Conference, have their third star Khris Middleton back from an NBA injury, and are ready for a deep playoff push.
Unfortunately, their loss in Los Angeles on Tuesday did feel like a step back. They will look to get back on track against a difficult foe in the Pelicans on Thursday.
The Bucks blew a 19-point lead and eventually fell to the Lakers in double overtime in LA on Tuesday. Although their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo Notched a 29-point triple-double, the Bucks simply ran out of steam on the road.
With Middleton back in the lineup the Bucks have one more way they can beat you. After a great first two games back, however, Middleton has cooled down a bit. He’s only scored 11 and 12 points in his last two games, going under his points prop in both.
Although the scoring has been inconsistent, it does seem like Middleton is thriving as a distributor since his return. He is just averaging a bit over five assists on the NBA season but has notched six or more assists in each game back. Check out the under on Middleton’s points and the over on his assists if you think these trends will continue.
Tough Call in NOLA
The odds are in for this Bucks vs Pelicans preview and it’s a pick ‘em! The total is set at 226.5. The Bucks are 17-18 on the road this season and the Pelicans are 20-14 at home.
Although these two NBA playoff odds because they will both be there this spring, the question is will either of them make a deep run. Thursday night could answer just that.
For Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
