Bucks vs Pelicans Picks & Odds: New Orleans Favored To Snap Losing Skid

The New Orleans Pelicans (18-11 SU, 15-14 ATS) and Milwaukee Bucks (21-8, 16-11-2) collide at Smoothie King Center on Monday as New Orleans tries to snap a three-game losing streak. Find out which team will come out on top in our Bucks vs Pelicans prediction.

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Bucks vs Pelicans Sportsbook Odds

The Pelicans opened as the 2-point favorite at home with the total set at 224.5 points. The OVER is 11-1 in the last 12 meetings between the two teams while Milwaukee has defeated New Orleans in six of eight previous matchups – an edge to the visitors for your Bucks vs Pelicans prediction.

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Bucks Beat Jazz Without Antetokounmpo

The Bucks cruised to a comfortable win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday, picking up a 123-97 victory at home. Bobby Portis (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Jrue Holiday (21 points) led the offense as the Bucks came out on top even without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lauri Markkanen and Malik Beasley scored 18 points each in the loss for the Jazz.

While Antetokounmpo (knee) is expected to return to the lineup Monday, he’ll be joined by another player who hasn’t seen the court in nearly a year. Joe Ingles, who has been sidelined for 10 months following rehabilitation of a torn ACL, is expected to make his Bucks debut against the Pelicans. The 35-year-old signed a one-year deal with Milwaukee this summer after having spent his first eight NBA seasons with Utah.

Booker Drops 58 To Hand Pellies Third Straight Loss

The Pelicans dropped their third straight game on Saturday as they fell 118-114 to the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker was a one-man wrecking crew for the Suns as he dropped 58 points, while Zion Williamson (30 points) and CJ McCollum (27 points) had strong games for the Pelicans but just couldn’t keep up.

New Orleans now finds itself in the midst of a losing skid immediately after a seven-game win streak and a stretch where they won 12 of 14 contests. The Pelicans have surrendered 123.7 points per game during this three-game losing streak – something that will certainly have to be rectified moving forward.

Bucks Player Prop: Antetokounmpo OVER 34 Points (+123)

Despite sitting out last game with knee soreness, the oddsmakers aren’t giving Antetokounmpo a break. The Bucks star has scored under 20 points in two of his last three outings but scored 30-plus in eight of nine games prior to that. Given a full workload, he should at least have a chance at hitting the OVER on Monday.

Pelicans Player Prop: Williamson OVER 28 Points (+114)

Williamson has been a beast in December, leading the Pelicans with 30.1 points per game – nearly twice that of McCollum (17), who ranks second this month. The power forward has scored 28 or more in seven of his last nine contests – take the OVER without any second thoughts.

Bucks: Keys To Victory

The Bucks posted an impressive win over the Jazz last time out, even with Antetokounmpo sidelined, thanks to some strong all-around play at both ends of the court. If Milwaukee can maintain a high level of defensive focus while Antetokounmpo does his thing, it’ll be hard for New Orleans to handle the Bucks.

Pelicans: Keys To Victory

The Pelicans have got to be scratching their heads after giving up 58 points to Booker and suffering their third straight defeat – after all, it was only a week ago that they were one of the hottest teams in the NBA. If New Orleans is going to get back on track, they’ll need to get recommitted to defense. The team ranks 12th in points against per game (112) but hasn’t played like that of late.

NBA Computer Pick: Bucks +2

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