Pelicans vs Bucks Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 4/6/2025

With the Bucks coming off three straight wins and gunning for better playoff positioning, Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double threat looms large as Milwaukee visits a New Orleans team that's practically fielding a G-League roster at this point.

The injury-ravaged Pelicans, missing virtually all their key players including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III, have managed to crack 100 points just once in their last four outings while losing 12 of 16.

Sunday's clash at Smoothie King Center features a stark contrast between the fifth-seeded Bucks who've covered seven of their last nine games and a Pelicans squad that seems to have waved the white flag as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks preview

The Bucks roll into the Smoothie King Center riding a three-game win streak, while the injury-ravaged Pelicans are just trying to limp to the season's finish line.

Milwaukee's offensive juggernaut, led by triple-double machine Giannis Antetokounmpo (who recently posted an absurd 35-20-17 stat line against Philly), has been clicking at 118.6 points per 100 possessions over their last 10 games.

New Orleans, meanwhile, is fielding what barely qualifies as an NBA roster—they're missing practically their entire starting lineup with Williamson, McCollum, Murphy, Murray, and Jones all sidelined.

Jose Alvarado has been a lone bright spot for the Pels, dropping 27 points in their recent loss to the Lakers, but there's just not enough firepower to keep pace with playoff-bound teams.

Historical trends favor Milwaukee, who've won four of their last five matchups against New Orleans, though back-to-backs have sometimes tripped up the Bucks this season.

The over has historically dominated this matchup (hitting in seven of their last eight meetings), but with the Pelicans' offensive struggles—breaking 100 points just once in their last four games—this might buck the trend.

Milwaukee's league-leading three-point shooting (38.5%) could be the difference-maker against a Pelicans defense that's been anything but stellar during their current slide.

With playoff positioning on the line for the Bucks and nothing but pride for the Pelicans, this cross-conference clash might lack drama but should showcase whether Milwaukee is rounding into form at the right time.