Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans: Crucial NBA Matchup Amid Injury Concerns
The Milwaukee Bucks are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in a game where both franchises enter with significant injury challenges and inconsistent performances throughout the season. Player availability stands as a decisive factor that could tilt the balance in this intriguing NBA contest.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report and Rotation Impact
Milwaukee continues to navigate the Eastern Conference landscape without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains sidelined with a lower-body injury that has kept him out for multiple games. In his absence, the offensive burden has fallen heavily on the shoulders of Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, though the team's frontcourt depth appears notably limited.
The Bucks' injury situation extends beyond Antetokounmpo, creating additional rotational challenges:
- Out: Giannis Antetokounmpo (lower body), Kevin Porter Jr. (undisclosed), Taurean Prince (lower body)
- Questionable: Gary Harris (ankle/illness), Bobby Portis (back)
Should both Harris and Portis be unavailable, Milwaukee would likely tighten their rotation significantly. This scenario would place even greater scoring responsibility on Damian Lillard, while players like Pat Connaughton and younger wing options might see increased minutes to fill the gaps.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report and Lineup Outlook
The visiting Pelicans face their own roster challenges, most notably the continued absence of Dejounte Murray due to a lower-body injury. His absence creates noticeable deficiencies in both playmaking and perimeter defense that New Orleans must address through alternative means.
New Orleans' injury report presents the following concerns:
- Out: Dejounte Murray (lower body)
- Questionable: Hunter Dickinson (ankle)
On a positive note for the Pelicans, Zion Williamson is expected to play barring any late setbacks, despite having missed games earlier in the season. With Murray unavailable, additional ball-handling responsibilities will fall to CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III, while interior duties will be primarily handled by Jonas Valančiūnas and Jaxson Hayes.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Meetings
Historically, the Pelicans hold the advantage in the regular-season series with 29 wins to Milwaukee's 20 across their 49 meetings. However, recent trends favor the Bucks, who have secured victory in four of the last five matchups between these teams.
Notable recent encounters include:
- A dominant 136-111 Bucks victory at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2025
- A narrow 111-107 Pelicans win in their most recent meeting on April 6, 2025
These recent contests demonstrate Milwaukee's ability to capitalize on defensive lapses from New Orleans when both teams approach full strength, though current injury situations may alter this dynamic.
Team Performance Entering February 2026
The Bucks enter this matchup hovering around the .500 mark, displaying offensive production near league averages but struggling defensively, particularly in three-point defense and paint protection without Antetokounmpo's presence. Milwaukee maintains rebounding strength through Lopez and Portis, though Portis' potential absence could diminish this advantage.
Milwaukee's offensive inconsistency was evident in their recent games, scoring their highest non-overtime total since November in one contest while managing just 79 points against Boston in another, highlighting their variable output.
New Orleans arrives with a losing record but remains within striking distance of playoff positioning. Their offense shows effectiveness when Williamson and McCollum share the floor, though closing games has proven problematic. Defensively, the Pelicans have struggled against pick-and-roll actions and perimeter shooting, as demonstrated in a recent 124-114 loss to Philadelphia where they surrendered a late 17-5 run after briefly taking a fourth-quarter lead.
Key Matchups That Could Decide the Game
Milwaukee Guards vs Depleted Pelicans Perimeter Defense: Damian Lillard and his backcourt partner, potentially Malik Beasley or another replacement, will test New Orleans' perimeter defense without Dejounte Murray. Gary Harris' availability could provide Milwaukee with additional scoring options; if he remains sidelined, the Bucks' offense might become more predictable and easier to defend.
Zion Williamson vs Milwaukee's Interior Defense: Brook Lopez offers rim protection but faces a significant challenge against Williamson's unique combination of strength and speed. Should Bobby Portis be unavailable, Milwaukee may need to employ smaller lineups or commit extra defenders, potentially leaving New Orleans' shooters with open opportunities. The Pelicans are likely to involve Lopez in pick-and-roll situations, while Milwaukee will attempt to limit Williamson's transition opportunities and force mid-range attempts.
Three-Point Shooting and Floor Spacing: Milwaukee attempts a high volume of three-pointers through Lillard, Middleton, and their supporting shooters. New Orleans has demonstrated both hot and cold shooting stretches throughout the season. If Milwaukee converts consistently from beyond the arc, they could establish significant separation. Conversely, if the game slows and New Orleans controls the rebounding battle, Williamson and Valančiūnas could keep the Pelicans competitive throughout.
Prediction and Major Storylines
Milwaukee holds a slight advantage playing at home, particularly if both Gary Harris and Bobby Portis receive medical clearance. However, the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo substantially reduces their margin for error against a determined Pelicans squad.
Several critical questions will determine the outcome:
- Can Milwaukee's guards exploit New Orleans' weakened backcourt defense?
- Will Zion Williamson dominate against Milwaukee's potentially thin front line?
- Can the Bucks compensate for their defensive shortcomings with perimeter scoring efficiency?
The final result will likely hinge on last-minute player availability decisions and execution during crucial closing minutes, making this an unpredictable but compelling NBA matchup between two teams fighting for positioning in their respective conferences.
