The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff picture could become a little clearer on Thursday night if they can beat the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks (45-34) could finish no lower than fifth in the Eastern Conference – with an outside shot of reaching No. 4 – with a win and a loss by the Detroit Pistons against the New York Knicks.
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Giannis helps Bucks have big second quarter to take halfitme lead
The Bucks put up 41 points in the second quarter to take a 62-54 lead into the break.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the first half. He threw down an alley-oop dunk off an inbounds pass at the first-half buzzer.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl gives Bucks issues in first quarter
The eight-player Pelicans showed some pluck in the first quarter, with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl getting loose for nine points as New Orleans took a 26-21 lead.
The Pelicans had six offensive rebounds and nine second-chance points.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable with a non-COVID illness, but head coach Doc Rivers said before the game that Antetokounmpo is available. Rivers said Pat Connaughton is available, too.
What time is the Bucks-Pelicans game?
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Fiserv Forum.
What channel is the Bucks game on?
It will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, and Melanie Ricks on the call.
Bucks injury report
- Jericho Sims, out (right thumb surgery)
- Damian Lillard, out (right calf deep vein thrombosis)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, questionable (non-COVID illness)
- Pat Connaughton, questionable (right ankle sprain)
- Tyler Smith, out (right ankle sprain)
Bucks probable starters
- Guards: Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince
- Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bucks vs. Pelicans odds, over/under
Milwaukee is an 15.5-point underdog against Minnesota, and the over/under is 220.5 points per BetMGM.
Eastern Conference playoff bracket
This what the playoff bracket looks like heading into Thursday’s games:
- No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 8 Play-in winner
- No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 5 Milwaukee
- No. 2. Boston vs. No. 7 Play-in winner
- No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Detroit
Eastern Conference playoff standings
With just a few games to go in the regular season, this is how the Eastern Conference standings look:
- Cleveland (63-16)
- Boston (59-20)
- New York (50-29)
- Indiana (48-31)
- Milwaukee (45-34)
- Detroit (43-36)
- Orlando (40-40)
- Atlanta (37-42)
- Chicago (37-43)
- Miami (36-44)
