Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Prediction for Friday February 20 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 02/20/2026, 12:30 AM ET

Bucks Preview

The Smoothie King Center will play host to a Friday night NBA clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Bucks (23-30) have split their previous ten games and are 1.5 games out of tenth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Last time out, Milwaukee built a 12-point halftime advantage and cruised to a 110-93 road triumph against Oklahoma City.

Milwaukee F Ousmane Dieng stuffed the stat sheet with a game-high 19 points (7-12 FG), 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. A.J. Green knocked down 5-for-11 from long range and finished with 17 points. Kyle Kuzma added 14 points and four rebounds for the Bucks.

Pelicans Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped 20 of their first 29 home games and own the second worst overall record in the Western Conference. The Pelicans (15-41) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 120.4 points per contest. Last Wednesday, New Orleans missed 20 of 31 three-point attempts during a 123-111 home loss versus Miami.

Former number one overall draft pick Zion Williamson led six New Orleans players in double figures with 25 points (12-19 FG). Trey Murphy III scored 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting and dropped six dimes. Saddiq Bey added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Pelicans, who were outrebounded by a 56-46 margin.

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Bucks vs Pelicans Pick

Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is still bothered by a calf injury and will not play in this game. These two teams rank in the bottom third of the league in offensive efficiency, so points will be hard to come by. The Bucks showed some life prior to the all-star break and will win on the road against a lifeless New Orleans squad. Final score prediction Milwaukee Bucks win 112-107.

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