Bucks Aim for Playoff Spot as Season Nears End

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Milwaukee Bucks are on the brink of securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference as they prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum tonight. After a historic fourth-quarter comeback, the Bucks seek their sixth consecutive win in this crucial matchup.

This will mark the second meeting between these two teams in just a week, as Milwaukee defeated New Orleans 145-124 last Sunday. Gary Trent Jr. stepped up in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, scoring 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting. The Bucks have notably flipped their fortunes, overcoming a four-game losing streak to launch a five-game winning streak with eyes on higher playoff positioning.

Antetokounmpo, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, is experiencing a recent surge, recording three straight triple-doubles. Coincidentally, he is now tied for the Bucks’ franchise record for triple-doubles, a feat last achieved during their championship season in 2021. Milwaukee enters tonight’s contest with a magic number of two to clinch the fifth seed, although a climb to the top four requires winning all three remaining games.

On the other side, the Pelicans are grappling with a disappointing season that has seen a slew of injuries. After making the playoffs as the eighth seed last season, New Orleans has failed to maintain momentum and now finds itself languishing as a lottery contender for the upcoming draft. Key players such as Zion Williamson and newly acquired Dejounte Murray are sidelined due to significant injuries, while Jose Alverado has taken on the team’s offensive responsibilities, averaging 15.2 points over the past six games.

In terms of injuries, the Bucks will have Antetokounmpo listed as probable due to left shoulder tendinopathy, while Pat Connaughton is questionable with a right ankle sprain. Damian Lillard and Jericho Sims remain out, providing a thinner roster as the playoffs approach. For the Pelicans, the injury report is extensive, counting several noteworthy absences including Williamson, Murray, C.J. McCollum, and others.

As the race for playoff positioning intensifies, the Bucks and Pistons are closely matched for seeding in the Eastern Conference. With the Pistons currently sitting at the sixth seed, they are two games behind Milwaukee. The outcome of the Bucks-Pelicans game will play a crucial role in the playoff landscape, especially if the Pistons falter against the Knicks this evening.

“It’s exciting,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. “We’ve turned things around at just the right time, and we want to keep that momentum as we head into the playoffs.”

Fans can tune into the matchup on FanDuel Sports Network, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT, as both teams strive to make a late-season statement.