Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview: Beak first

I know something that can make us both happy

The Milwaukee Bucks will be playing a game of basketball against the group of men currently donning the jerseys of the New Orleans Pelicans. After the ironic snow situation early this season, this is their first matchup against Nola this year, with the second coming on Thursday. Good timing.

Where We’re At

#winning! Caveat: against the Suns, Sixers, and Heat. It’s hard to find the right balance of expectations for this Bucks team. They’re without Dame, Bobby, and Jericho Sims, so we shouldn’t expect any cakewalks. But against opposition like that without their top talent (KD, Herro, literally everyone in Philly), I expect to be eating cake a little sooner than the dregs of the game. Opponents continue to get more shots on the strength of turnovers and offensive rebounds, a math game that will obey the law of large numbers in the end. The race to avoid the Knicks continues apace.

The Pelicans are bad. Like, real bad. How bad? It was a struggle to find a photo for this article that featured a current Buck and a current Pelican—admittedly due to myriad factors (trades, injuries, first meeting this season), but notable nonetheless. Congrats to Jose Alvarado for making the cut with his 10.1 ppg, even if he’s questionable to play! (Among active Pelicans, he’s the second leading scorer!!) Currently the 4th worst team in the league, their only recent wins have come against similarly anemic teams (Hornets, Sixers). Expect an inexplicably close game before both teams come to their senses in the final frame.

Injury Report

Giannis is *doubtful with left shoulder tendinopathy, while Pat Connaughton is *questionnable with a right ankle sprain. Usual suspects otherwise: Dame (right calf DVT), Bobby (suspension), and Sims (right thumb UCL sprain).

Brace yourself: Brandon Boston (left ankle stress reaction), Jordan Hawkins (lumber spine annular fissure) (!), Herbert Jones (right shoulder torn rotator cuff), CJ McCollum (right foot bone confusion), Trey Murphy III (right shoulder torn labrum), Dejounte Murray (right achilles rupture), Kelly Olynyk (rest) (LOL), and Zion Williamson (low back bone contusion) are out for the Pelicans. The titular Jose Alvarado is questionable with right calf soreness.

Player To Watch

Can Kevin Porter Jr. follow up his performance from last night? A consistent playmaking guard would lessen the potential loss of another consistent playmaking guard in the playoffs.

How To Watch

FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:30 p.m. CST.

Playback Streaming

We are streaming the game live on our Playback and YouTube channels (feat. Van and guest Eric Balkman). Read on to find out how you can get NBA League Pass on us!

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