Giannis Antetokounmpo versus Zion Williamson: two of basketball’s most intimidating physical specimens are facing off for the first time.
HOME TEAM: New Orleans Pelicans (20-30, 10-15 at home)
The Pelicans had their three-game winning streak snapped on Monday by the Houston Rockets, 117-109. It had an encouraging sign, however, as prized rookie Zion Williamson played a career-high 33 minutes and punched in the second double-double of his career – 21 points and 10 rebounds.
In six games following a return from a lengthy knee injury, Williamson is averaging 19.5 points and 8.2 boards per game on 61.5%-shooting, which should be good confidence-builder as he gears up for The Greek Freak.
The young and hungry core of the Pelicans have pushed the team into ranking sixth in scoring (115.1 PPG), and they can be a handful at any given night. Brandon Ingram, for one, is now an All-Star, and he’s bringing in 24.9 PPG on the table. He’s about to form an exciting scoring tandem with Williamson.
The team also has a gritty floor general in Jrue Holiday. The 10-year veteran plays both sides of the ball and it’s pretty evident in his last seven outings – 20.5 PPG, 5.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG.
Ingram (25 pts), Holiday (21 pts), and JJ Redick (31 pts) carried the scoring load during the Pels’ 127-112 loss to the Bucks last December 11th.
ROAD TEAM: Milwaukee Bucks (42-7, 19-4 on the road)
The Bucks jumped right back in the win column on Monday after pounding the Phoenix Suns, 129-108. The fine play was seen on both ends as they dished out 30 or more assists for the fourth time in six games and only allowed the opposition to shoot 39% or lower for the 20th time this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.3 PPG, 17 RPG, 8 APG in his last three) sat out the team’s aforementioned win over the Pelicans. The Bucks didn’t sweat the absence, though, as Eric Bledsoe (29 pts), Khris Middleton (24 pts), and Ersan Ilyasova (18 pts) picked up the slack. The whole team combined to knock down 19 three-pointers and force the Pels to commit 21 turnovers as well.
Milwaukee’s top-ranked scoring (120 PPG) and defensive efficiency should be able to flex its muscles again tomorrow, especially since Giannis is in the fold.
PREDICTION:
The Pelicans have a better chance to hang now that Ingram is more confident than the previous meeting and Zion is on deck, but the Bucks are just too loaded and experienced. Look for Giannis and company to take the win again, 120-111.
