Two intriguing teams from opposite conferences will meet in Friday night’s NBA betting showcase game. The Milwaukee Bucks, who fancy themselves as Eastern Conference contenders, will travel to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Pelicans and their plethora of young talent. The NBA odds and expert Bucks vs Pelicans predictions have sided with the road team in advance of this matchup.
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Bucks vs Pelicans Game Info
Milwaukee Bucks (11-6, 4-4 Away) at New Orleans Pelicans (6-10, 3-3 Home)
Date: Friday, Jan. 29, 2021
Venue: Smoothie King Center — New Orleans, LA
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN
Bucks vs Pelicans NBA Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook
Moneyline: MIL: (-300) | NOP: (+250)
Spread: MIL: -7.5 (-115) | NOP: +7.5 (-105)
Total: 230 — Over: (-105) | Under: (-115)
Bucks vs Pelicans NBA Betting Overview
Bucks Outlook
Milwaukee comes into Friday’s NBA betting showcase game hot, having won two straight and six of their last eight games. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton continue to lead a potent offensive attack. The Bucks are tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the league lead in points per game. It’s also proven quite clear that Milwaukee recognizes the need to save something for the postseason. Considered to be both a championship contender for a few years now, the Bucks’ goal this season is to take the next step and reach the NBA Finals. This will also be a revenge game for point guard Jrue Holiday, who was acquired by the Bucks via trade in the offseason.
Bucks Injury Report
- None
Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans managed to snap a three-game losing skid their last time out, earning a home win over the Washington Wizards. The future is bright in NOLA with the likes of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson leading the show. Both players scored 32 points in Wednesday’s win. Even so, the Pelicans find themselves as sizable NBA betting home underdogs to one of the NBA’s best teams. Just as this is a revenge game for Jrue Holiday on the Milwaukee side, it is also one for Eric Bledsoe after he was sent to New Orleans in the trade. Whether or not the Pelicans have any sort of reliable resistance for the Greek Freak remains to be seen.
Pelicans Injury Report
- Questionable: Lonzo Ball (ankle)
Bucks vs Pelicans NBA Betting Trends
- Bucks 2020-21 Betting Trends: 8-9 ATS; 9-8 to the Over
- Pelicans 2020-21 Betting Trends: 6-10 ATS; 10-6 to the Over
- The Bucks are just 3-5 ATS on the road this season.
- The Bucks are 1-3 ATS in non-conference games this season.
- The Over has hit in five of the Pelicans’ six home games this season.
Bucks vs Pelicans Statistics
- Milwaukee is averaging 119.8 points per game (PPG) this season (Tied for No. 1 in the NBA)
- Milwaukee is surrendering 110.8 PPG on the season (No. 17 in the NBA)
- New Orleans is averaging 109.2 PPG this season (No. 22 in the NBA)
- New Orleans is surrendering 111.1 PPG (No. 20 in the NBA)
Bucks vs Pelicans Prop Bet
Brandon Ingram Total Assists: Over 4.5 (-137 at Bovada Sportsbook)
Pelicans star Brandon Ingram enters Friday night’s game averaging 4.8 assists per contest. That is just a smidge higher than the NBA betting line of 4.5 for this NBA player prop. The key to my pick of Over here is the health of Lonzo Ball. At the time of writing, Ball is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. If he is indeed ruled out, other Pelicans players will be required to initiate more ball movement and scoring opportunities for teammates. Ingram is New Orleans’ leading scorer, but he also has the ball in his hands more than enough to dish out assists. After an eight-assist performance in Wednesday’s win, I like Ingram to be a strong facilitator once again tonight.
