With just three games left in a grueling and injury-riddled season, the New Orleans Pelicans head to Milwaukee to face a Bucks team surging towards the playoffs. New Orleans, losers of four straight, is still leaning heavily on rookies and two-way players, while Milwaukee tries to lock in its playoff positioning in the East.
Extremely Short-Handed…Again
The Pelicans will likely send their 45th different starting lineup of the season to the court Thursday night. With eight players already ruled out and three others listed as questionable, Willie Green continues to piece together a roster just to meet the league’s minimum requirement to play.
The Pelicans have been led by rookies Antonio Reeves, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic. Reeves leads all 2024 second-round picks in scoring this month (15.3 ppg) and has emerged as one of the bright spots for New Orleans. Matkovic has scored in double figures in seven consecutive games. Two-way player Jamal Cain has also made the most of his recent minutes, averaging 10 points over the last four games.
Milwaukee’s Playoff Push
The Bucks enter Thursday’s game on a five-game winning streak and still have something to play for. Though they’ve locked up a playoff berth, they haven’t locked in their seeding yet. A win over New Orleans, or a Detroit loss, would help Milwaukee secure at least the No. 5 seed. After playing the Pelicans, the Bucks have two matchups against Detroit still on the schedule.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable with a shoulder issue, but if he plays, the Pelicans could be in trouble. Giannis is averaging 32.8 points this month, trailing only Nikola Jokic. Four days ago, the Bucks beat the Pelicans in New Orleans behind 29 points from Gary Trent Jr., who’s stepped up with Damian Lillard sidelined.
Matchup to Watch: The Paint Battle
With the Pelicans missing so many key veterans, much of the interior workload has fallen on Yves Missi and Kelly Olynyk (when he plays). Milwaukee counters with Brook Lopez and Giannis — one of the most formidable frontcourts in the NBA. Missi, who’s questionable with an ankle issue, and Matkovic will have their hands full defending the paint and staying out of foul trouble. Recent signee Kylor Kelley should see his first minutes in a Pelicans uniform.
Rookies Get a Final Opportunity
While the playoffs are out of reach for New Orleans, these final three games are valuable evaluation periods for the team’s younger players. Reeves, Cain, and Matkovic will continue to get extended minutes against top-tier competition, including the Miami Heat on Friday, followed by the Thunder on Sunday.
With so many key players shut down for the season, this version of the Pelicans is more of a developmental squad. But there’s still pride — and potential roster spots for next year — on the line.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Milwaukee Bucks | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Ryan Rollins | G – Jose Alvarado |
| G – Taurean Prince | G – Antonio Reeves |
| F – Kyle Kuzma | F – Bruce Brown |
| F – Giannis Antetokounmpo | F – Kelly Olynyk |
| C – Brook Lopez | F – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) is PROBABLE. Pat Connaughton (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE. Damian Lillard (calf) and Jericho Sims (thumb) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (right calf soreness), Bruce Brown (right knee soreness), and Yves Missi (left ankle soreness) are QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Boston (left ankle stress reaction), Jordan Hawkins (lumbar spine annular fissure), Herb Jones (right shoulder torn rotator cuff), CJ McCollum (right foot contusion), Trey Murphy (right shoulder torn labrum), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Kelly Olynyk (left Achilles tendonosis), and Zion Williamson (low back contusion) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (21-58) vs Milwaukee Bucks (45-34)
Season Series:
- Apr. 6: Bucks def. Pelicans, 111-107
- Apr. 10: Pelicans at Bucks
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 29-19 all-time against the Milwaukee Bucks and have lost four of the last five in the series.
Where: Fiserv Forum
When: Apr. 10, 7:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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