New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks Pick & Prediction APRIL 10th 2025

Preview and Prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently displaying some of their best basketball of the entire season as the beginning of the postseason approaches.

The Bucks have now achieved five consecutive victories as they prepare to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening. This winning streak matches their longest run of the season, which was a seven-game stretch from mid-November to early December.

Their most recent win was an incredible feat for the Bucks (45-34), as they managed to overcome a 24-point deficit in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They went on a 23-point run and finished the game with a 39-8 run, ultimately securing a 110-103 victory.

This game also marked the return of forward Bobby Portis, who had been serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's drug policy.

"There was a newfound energy on the court," commented guard Kevin Porter Jr. "Having Bobby back was a game-changer for us. He gave us a much-needed boost."

Portis ended the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Bucks' comeback was largely due to their ability to hold the Timberwolves scoreless for over five minutes.

"(Portis) recognized the situation and stepped up his game," said Porter, who scored 21 points. "He brought us all together and asked, 'How do we want to finish this game?' He reminded us that it's a long game and this win will feel like a taste of the playoffs. We listened to him and responded accordingly."

This victory has given the Bucks a two-game lead over the Detroit Pistons, whom they will face in a home-and-home series on Friday and Sunday to close out the regular season. This puts them in a good position to secure the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

If the Bucks manage to defeat the Pelicans and the Pistons lose to the New York Knicks on Thursday, they will secure at least the fifth seed before heading to Detroit.

Portis' return has only strengthened a team that was already performing well. Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved his third consecutive triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Timberwolves.

Antetokounmpo had sat out their previous game against the Pelicans due to soreness in his left shoulder.

The Pelicans (21-58) will be playing their final away game of the season, and they currently hold a record of 7-33 on the road. They are also facing the challenge of playing without eight of their top nine scorers.

New Orleans has lost their last four games, including a 119-114 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Although they were only trailing by one point at halftime, the third quarter proved to be their downfall as the Nets outscored them 43-26. The Pelicans managed to close the gap in the final minute, but the damage had already been done.

"Our final group played well throughout the game," said head coach Willie Green. "They fought, they competed, and they played together. As a young team, we need to learn to have a sense of urgency from the start of the game. There were too many moments where our sense of urgency was lacking."

The Pelicans, who are on track to finish with the second-worst record in franchise history, will end their season with home games against the Miami Heat on Friday and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

PREDICTION

New Orleans Pelicans

103

120

Milwaukee Bucks