Bucks Defeat Pelicans 139-118 in NBA Clash
Friday, February 20, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
Milwaukee Bucks 139, New Orleans Pelicans 118, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Milwaukee Bucks beat New Orleans Pelicans 139-118 at Smoothie King Center on February 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a decisive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 139-118 at the Smoothie King Center. This game marked the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the Bucks having won all three encounters, continuing their dominance in the series with a 2-0 record in the current season. The Bucks have proven to be a challenging opponent for the Pelicans, as the latter has not won against Milwaukee in their last four matchups, including two losses this season.
In terms of recent form, the Pelicans have struggled with a home record of 15-42 and a 5-5 record in their last ten games, although they managed to average 114.2 points scored and allowed 113.1 points during that span. Their last five games yielded a record of 2-3, with an average of 116.4 points scored and 115.0 points allowed. However, they entered the game on a one-game losing streak, having lost their previous match against the Miami Heat 111-123.
Conversely, the Bucks have shown a stronger performance with a 24-30 record overall. In their last ten games, they have a record of 5-4-1 and are currently on a two-game winning streak. They averaged 100.2 points scored and allowed 102.5 points during this stretch. Their last five games have been particularly impressive, with a record of 4-1 and an average of 114.2 points scored and 111.0 points allowed.
Home and away performances have also been notable for both teams. The Pelicans have a home record of 2-1 in their last three games, while the Bucks have been strong away, boasting a home record of 3-0 in their last three games.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, with Peavy resting and McGowens dealing with a toe issue. The Bucks also had Kevin Porter Jr. listed as day-to-day due to a knee problem, which could have impacted their lineup.
Before the game, the betting odds from DraftKings indicated that the Pelicans were favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 224.5 points. The odds for the Pelicans to win outright were -180.0, while the Bucks were listed at +150.0 for a straight win.
The conditions for the game were typical for an indoor NBA matchup, with no significant weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams sought to improve their standings.
Viewers were encouraged to watch for the scoring plays that defined the game. In the fourth quarter, Gary Trent Jr. made a significant three-point jump shot, extending the Bucks' lead. Saddiq Bey contributed with free throws, while Ryan Rollins and Thanasis Antetokounmpo also added to the Bucks' score, solidifying their lead as the game progressed. The Pelicans made a late push with a driving layup from Jeremiah Fears and a dunk from McGowens, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, the game showcased the Bucks' offensive capabilities and strategic execution, while the Pelicans continue to search for consistency in their performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -4.5 | 224.5 o -105 / u -115 | Milwaukee Bucks +150 · New Orleans Pelicans -180 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks
Leaders
- PointsZion Williamson32New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJeremiah Fears5New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDerik Queen9New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsCam Thomas27Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsKevin Porter Jr.7Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsBobby Portis11Milwaukee Bucks
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1114.2 scored · 113.1 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L111-123vs Miami HeatFeb 12
- W120-94vs Sacramento KingsFeb 10
- W119-115at Minnesota TimberwolvesFeb 7
- L137-141at Milwaukee BucksFeb 5
- L95-102at Charlotte HornetsFeb 2
- L114-124at Philadelphia 76ersFeb 1
- W114-106vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 31
- L95-104at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 28
- W104-95at San Antonio SpursJan 26
- W133-127at Memphis GrizzliesJan 24
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 5-4-1Streak W2100.2 scored · 102.5 allowed per game2-4 away
- W110-93at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 13
- W116-108at Orlando MagicFeb 12
- L99-118at Orlando MagicFeb 10
- W105-99vs Indiana PacersFeb 7
- W141-137vs New Orleans PelicansFeb 5
- W131-115vs Chicago BullsFeb 4
- L79-107at Boston CelticsFeb 1
- L99-109at Washington WizardsJan 30
- L122-139at Philadelphia 76ersJan 28
- D0-0vs Dallas MavericksJan 26
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Bucks | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 55-92 | 47-87 |
| Field goal % | 60 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 15-36 | 4-25 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 16 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 20-28 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 28 |
| Assists | 28 | 22 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 8 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 60 | 84 |
| Fouls | 17 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 25 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 81 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter96-92Cam Thomas makes 1-foot running dunk
- 3rd Quarter97-92Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-92Ousmane Dieng makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter101-92Ryan Rollins makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter101-94Karlo Matkovic makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter103-94Cam Thomas makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter103-96Herbert Jones makes driving layup (Jordan Poole assists)
- 4th Quarter103-98Derik Queen makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter104-98Cam Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-98Cam Thomas makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-100Jeremiah Fears makes running layup (Zion Williamson assists)
- 4th Quarter108-100Cam Thomas makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-102Zion Williamson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter111-102Pete Nance makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter111-103Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-104Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-104Pete Nance makes 1-foot layup (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter113-106Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter115-106Ousmane Dieng makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter118-106Pete Nance makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ousmane Dieng assists)
- 4th Quarter120-106Kevin Porter Jr. makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter122-106Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter122-107Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-108Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-108Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter125-108Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter125-110Karlo Matkovic makes alley oop dunk (Herbert Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter127-110Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter129-110Kevin Porter Jr. makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter130-110Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter131-110Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter131-112Bryce McGowens makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter134-112Gary Trent Jr. makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter134-113Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter134-114Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter137-114Ryan Rollins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thanasis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter138-114Thanasis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter139-114Thanasis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter139-116Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter139-118Bryce McGowens makes running dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Milwaukee Bucks.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance15714
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Jason Goldenberg, Matt Myers
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