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Bucks vs. Pelicans prediction: New Orleans favored to win Friday's NBA matchup [2/20/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions for NBA Friday.
The New Orleans Pelicans will square off with the Milwaukee Bucks in NBA action at Smoothie King Center on Friday, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Pelicans as the most likely winner of the Bucks vs. Pelicans game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pelicans lineup will feature stars like Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears, while the Bucks will rely on Kevin Porter, Ryan Rollins and Cam Thomas.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Bucks vs. Pelicans prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Friday's NBA game between the Bucks and Pelicans 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Pelicans a 66% chance of defeating the Bucks. Our predicted final score has the Pelicans winning 114-109.
According to our model, the Bucks (+0.5) have a 56% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 231.5 points has a 58% chance of staying under.
Bucks vs. Pelicans odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Bucks | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +0.5 (+102) | -0.5 (-136) |
| Moneyline | +150 | -132 |
| Total | o231.5 (-108) | u231.5 (-122) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Bucks vs. Pelicans picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Bucks +0.5 | +102 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | -132 |
| Total | Under 231.5 | -122 |
According to our best NBA bets for Friday, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Bucks vs. Pelicans player props
Looking for Milwaukee vs. New Orleans NBA player props? We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Smoothie King Center.
Kevin Porter is expected to lead the Bucks with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists, while Zion Williamson is projected to have 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the Pelicans.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Bucks prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Bucks are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Porter | 19 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 45 |
| Ryan Rollins | 17 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 38 |
| Cam Thomas | 16 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 26 |
| Bobby Portis | 14 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| Kyle Kuzma | 14 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 28 |
Pelicans prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pelicans:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 24 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 44 |
| Saddiq Bey | 20 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 37 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 16 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 33 |
| Derik Queen | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 35 |
| Herbert Jones | 11 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 26 |
Bucks vs. Pelicans game-day updates and essential details
Friday's matchup between the Pelicans and Bucks at Smoothie King Center is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
Conclusion
We predict the Pelicans, with a 66% win probability, will likely beat the Bucks on Friday, with Kevin Porter projected for a game-high 45 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Bucks vs. Pelicans insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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