Game 32: Anthony Davis and short-handed Pelicans can silence critics (at least for one night) against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

The New Orleans Pelicans head to Milwaukee amidst endless national media scrutiny.

“Does AD have help?! “Is AD going to join Lebron?!” “Why can’t the Pelicans ever win games?!”

Tonight offers the opportunity to silence all of that squalor. To do it, the Pelicans will have to take down MVP candidate, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are a formidable foe to say the least, with an offensive and defensive rating in the top-five under new head coach, Mike Budenholzer.

The Pelicans have won and lost intermittently for the past nine games. Can they keep this hilarious streak going tonight in Milwaukee without Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton?

Who: New Orleans Pelicans (15-16) at Milwaukee Bucks (20-9)

When: 7:00 pm central

Where: Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

TV: Fox Sports Nola, NBA League Pass

Radio: 99.5 FM WRNO

Line: Bucks -8, over/under 233

Pace: 102.6 (4th of 30)

Off Rtg: 113.7 (4th of 30) Def Rtg: 112.1 (22nd of 30)

Pace: 102.4 (5th of 30)

Off Rtg: 114.0 (3rd of 30) Def Rtg: 105.4 (4th of 30)

Injury Report: Pelicans - Ian Clark (questionable, ankle), Nikola Mirotic (doubtful, ankle), Julius Randle (doubtful, ankle), Elfrid Payton (out, finger)

Bucks - Malcolm Brogdon (probable, hamstring), Ersan Ilyasova (out, face)

For perspective from the other side, please visit the game preview from our friends at Brew Hoop!

Check out our site’s preview of this afternoon’s Pelicans vs Bucks, penned by Oleh Kosel here.

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Let’s geaux, Pels!