The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have some big decisions to make this summer, but until then, the show must go on as they visit the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.
I’m not reading too much into Milwaukee’s 5-1 spurt before the All-Star break, especially with Myles Turner now also sidelined, but my Bucks vs. Pelicans predictions expect Ryan Rollins to feast against a shaky New Orleans defense.
Check out my NBA picks for this February 20 matchup.
Bucks vs Pelicans prediction
Bucks vs Pelicans best bet: Ryan Rollins Over 18.5 points (-115)
There’s a Giannis-sized hole in the Milwaukee Bucks’ starting lineup, and Ryan Rollins has a clear path to bumper stats after resting a foot issue over the break.
Rollins has nailed this Over in six of his last eight games, and he’s averaging 21.8 ppg so far in February.
I’ll gladly pick against a New Orleans Pelicans team that’s allowing 120.4 ppg, tied for fourth-most in the NBA. Rollins gave the Pels fits earlier this month on the way to 27 points.
One glance at the Milwaukee rotation tonight confirms Rollins will be doing the heavy lifting.
Bucks vs Pelicans same-game parlay
It’s been a road-heavy schedule lately for the Pelicans, but they’re 17-11-1 ATS at home this year. The hosts should escape with a win, especially if they profit in the paint against a Milwaukee squad missing Giannis and Turner.
I’ll double down on that with a pair of Derik Queen wagers. He and Zion Williamson can both put up impressive numbers tonight, but I’m targeting Queen, who will get even more touches if Trey Murphy III (doubtful) is ruled out.
Bucks vs Pelicans SGP
- Pelicans moneyline
- Derik Queen Over 12.5 points
- Derik Queen Over 0.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Point guards rollin’
It’s an all-point guard SGP here, with Rollins and Jeremiah Fears both set for big minutes down the stretch this season. Rollins gets the keys to the Giannis-less Milwaukee offense, while Fears will benefit from New Orleans’ thin backcourt depth.
Fears was within touching distance of a triple-double in his last outing before All-Star weekend.
Bucks vs Pelicans SGP
- Ryan Rollins Over 18.5 points
- Ryan Rollins Over 4.5 assists
- Jeremiah Fears Over 14.5 points
- Jeremiah Fears Over 3.5 assists
Bucks vs Pelicans odds
- Spread: Bucks +4 | Pelicans -4
- Moneyline: Bucks +145 | Pelicans -170
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Bucks vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Bucks are 11-18 SU on the road this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Bucks vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Wisconsin, Pelicans+ |
Bucks vs Pelicans latest injuries
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