The Milwaukee Bucks are having a fantastic stretch, as they take a win streak to this meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. But the same can be said for the Pels, who welcome Giannis Antetokounmpo and company for their last game of a homestand. Which team will get to extend their undefeated run?
Catch this game live on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Milwaukee Bucks (24-17/8-10Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Damian Lillard
- Andre Jackson Jr.
- Taurean Prince
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Probable)
- Brook Lopez
Doc Rivers’ seat has grown a lot cooler of late, with the Bucks having plenty of success. The Bucks enter Thursday’s game on the heels of a four-game win streak. In their most recent outing, Giannis Antetokounmpo and company thwarted the Philadelphia 76ers at home, 123-109.
Buckets have been easy to come by for Milwaukee lately, as the Bucks have averaged 127.3 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the field and 42.0 percent shooting from behind the arc in their last three games, and that trend could continue against the Pelicans, whose defense has been one of the worst in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Pels are just 25th in the league with 117.2 points allowed per game and 28th with a defensive effective field goal rate of 55.7 percent.
The Bucks are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 road games. Milwaukee also has covered the spread in four of its last five meetings with the Pels, dating back to 2022.

Home: New Orleans Pelicans (12-32/8-16 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Dejounte Murray (Probable)
- CJ McCollum
- Trey Murphy III
- Zion Williamson (Questionable)
- Yves Missi (Questionable)
The Pelicans are very much likely to miss the playoffs but they have looked so much dangerous of late. Like the Bucks, New Orleans has won all of its last four games. After defeating the Chicago Bulls (119-116), the Pelicans took down the Dallas Mavericks (119-116) and the Utah Jazz in back-to-back meetings. New Orleans blasted the Jazz last Saturday (136-124) and on Tuesday (123-119).
CJ McCollum exploded for 45 points on 18-for-31 shooting against Utah, and while the Bucks’ defense should offer tougher resistance, it will be hard to count out the veteran shooting guard when he’s feeling it. McCollum might also be forced to another big-usage game, with the likes of DeJounte Murray and Zion Williamson labeled questionable to play versus the Bucks. Brandon Ingram is also not expected to play as he continues to deal with a left ankle issue that has sidelined him since early December.
The Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
Picks
Spread: New Orleans Pelicans (+6.5)
Over/Under: Under(233.5)
