BREAKING: Zion Williamson, Giannis Antetokounmpo Status For the Pelicans-Bucks Game, 1/27
The New Orleans Pelicans (26-19, seventh in the Western Conference) cannot afford to be inconsistent against the Milwaukee Bucks (31-14, second in the Eastern Conference) in Saturday's inter-conference matchup at Fiserv Forum.
Without Zion Williamson in the lineup on Friday night, the Pelicans defense was as dreadful as their shooting. A bone contusion in his foot has Williamson listed as questionable.
On the other bench, Doc Rivers takes over as the Bucks' new head coach. Tonight, Rivers will lead Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 31 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists for Milwaukee. Superstar guard Damian Lillard is averaging 22.4 points over the last ten games for Milwaukee.
Brandon Ingram nor CJ McCollum were the team's highest scorers against the Thunder, but an opponent must keep their eyes on the pair. Ingram averages 21.1 points, and McCollum is sitting at 19.6 points with 4.5 points and 4.4 assists this season. Still, where will the Pelicans make up for losing Zion's 21 points-per-game production? Look for more Jordan Hawkins and Trey Murphy III to fill the scoring void.
New Orleans has a slightly better road record at 12-9 on the season.
Currently, Milwaukee is a 5.5-point favorite on SI's Sportsbook.
PELICANS & BUCKS GAME STATUS
- New Orleans' starters may be without Zion Williamson, although he is listed as questionable for the contest. He is extremely close to missing a second straight game.
- The Bucks haven't reported any significant injuries to their starting lineup.
TOP PERFORMERS
- PELICANS: Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.1 points.
- BUCKS: Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.0 points.
LAST GAME 10 GAMES
- The Bucks, on average, score 121.5 points, have 45.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 6.1 steals, and 5.1 blocks per game with a 48.4% field goal percentage. Milwaukee's opponents average 121.7 points per game.
- The Pelicans, on average, score 119.7 points, with 44.7 rebounds, 29.8 assists, 7.6 steals, and 4.7 blocks per game. New Orleans has a shooting percentage of 49.3%, while their opponents have averaged 114.0 points.
Feb 25, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pressures New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS VS. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
GAME INFO
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans (26-19) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (31-14)
- Game: Regular Season Game #46 | Road Game #22
- Venue: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Date/Time: January 27, 2024 • 7:00 p.m. (CT)
- TV: Bally Sports • Radio: WRNO 99.5 FM
- Streaming: Live Streaming for a free trial on FuboTV
- Officials: Sean Wright (#4), Karl Lane (#77), Jonathan Sterling (#17)
- Uniforms: Bucks - Statement Edition (Black) vs. Pelicans - Statement Edition (Red)
PELICANS INJURY REPORT - 1/27/2024
QUESTIONABLE
- Zion Williamson (Left foot bone contusion)
OUT
- Matt Ryan (Right Elbow, Surgery)
- Dereon Seabron (G League, Two-Way)
New Orleans Pelicans
- CJ McCollum
- Herb Jones
- Brandon Ingram
- Trey Murphy III
- Jonas Valanciunas
Milwaukee Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Khris Middleton
- Brook Lopez
- Malik Beasley
- Damian Lillard
