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Free Pick: Bucks vs. Pelicans Odds
Looking for Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Bucks taking on the Pelicans on 2/20 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Bucks Pelicans free pick.
2026 NBA Handicapping – Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans
(23-30) Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans (15-41)
Date: Feb 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: The Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
NBA Moneyline Odds: Bucks +135 | Pelicans -167 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Bucks +3.5 | Pelicans -3.5
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 224.5
Here’s why I’m backing the favored home team, New Orleans, as outlined in my Bucks-Pelicans free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Bucks vs. Pelicans Gameday
With the All-Star break over, it’s time to get back to work with nine games on Friday, including the Milwaukee Bucks at the New Orleans Pelicans.
Milwaukee last played on February 12th when they defeated the shorthanded OKC Thunder 110-93. Seven Bucks scored in double figures, led by Ousmane Dieng, who collected a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, plus six assists and four blocks.
New Orleans last played on February 11th, losing 111-123 to the Miami Heat. Six Pelicans scored in double figures, led by Zion Williamson with 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jeremiah Fears offered a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds plus eight assists.
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds & Last 5
This is the second and final meeting between the clubs this season, with the Bucks up 1-0. Last season, Milwaukee swept the Pelicans 2-0 in the regular season series.
Milwaukee enters this contest with a 5-1 record through the last six matches. The Bucks currently hold the 12th seed with a record of 23-30. This is the final road game of a four-game stint and they will return home for the next four matches.
In contrast, New Orleans is 2-3 through the last five matches. They sit in the 14th slot with a record of 15-41. They remain stuck in the cellar, three games behind the Jazz and three ahead of the Kings.
Entering this matchup, the Pelicans are 3.5-point favorites to win with an over/under of 224.5 points.
Bucks Stats
Milwaukee ranks 24th on offense (113.1), and 22nd on defense (116.4), and has the 25th-best net rating (-3.3) while they rank 26th in pace (98.35).
The East’s 12th seed averages 111.8 points per game while their opponents average 115.2 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Milwaukee averages 26.1 (16th) and 41.2 ( 27th), respectively.
Milwaukee’s team leaders* in key categories are Giannis Antetokounmpo in scoring (28.0) and rebounding (10.0), Kevin Porter Jr. for assists (7.6) and steals (2.2), while Myles Turner leads for blocks (1.7).
Eight Bucks shoot over the league average from the perimeter, plus players who were added at the trade deadline. As a team, the Bucks shoot 39.2% from deep, ranking second in the association.
*minimum 20 games
**Leads the NBA
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Pelicans Stats
New Orleans ranks 24th (112.4) on offense and 27th on defense (118.0). Additionally, the Pelicans hold the 25th-ranked net rating (-5.6) and also run the 12th-quickest pace (101.07).
The West’s 14-place Pelicans average 114.6 points per game while their opponents average 120.4 points. In terms of dimes and boards, New Orleans averages 25.0 (23rd) and 43.6 (16th), respectively.
New Orleans’ team leaders* are Trey Murphy for scoring (22.1), Derik Queen for assists (4.1) and rebounds (7.2), Herb Jones for steals (1.6), and Yves Missi for blocks (1.4).
As for the perimeter, there are three Pelicans who shoot the league average or better while the team averages 34.5% from deep.
*minimum 20 games
**Leads the NBA
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans bottom line:
The Pelicans record doesn’t reflect their recent improvement, which aligns with players returning from injury.
Milwaukee is playing even better with those five wins in six tries before the break. They’ve won eight of the 15 games Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed and are doing it with aggressive perimeter shooting, plus a somewhat improved defensive effort.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Betting Trends
- Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee’s last 10 games on the road.
- Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games against New Orleans.
- Also, New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans’ last 12 games.
- Additionally, New Orleans is 7-13 SU in its last 20 games played in February.
Bucks Pelicans Free Pick: Pelicans -3.5
Here is my Bucks Pelicans free pick.
Milwaukee has been on fire lately, albeit somewhat lucky, facing teams that were severely impacted by injuries.
For a team that shoots so well from deep their low offensive ranking is a bit perplexing. Perhaps the pace they run needs to be quickened to allow for more shooting opportunities.
Perimeter shooting has been the Bucks major strength as they rank second in the NBA behind Denver. It’s the ideal set-up for their superstar Antetokounmpo but can they do enough in the final portion of the season to move up to a play-in berth?
Both clubs were playing better heading into the break, so we’ll have to see if they can maintain that momentum post-break.
I’m inclined to lean in the direction of the Pelicans for this match, so take New Orleans to win and cover.
Today’s NBA Free Pick
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NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day
New Orleans Basketball Legend 👏 pic.twitter.com/exJQExETuA
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 13, 2026
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