Milwaukee Bucks vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury-Plagued Showdown Set for February 20, 2026
The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host a pivotal NBA matchup on February 20, 2026, as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Both franchises enter this contest grappling with significant injury woes, setting the stage for a battle of depth and resilience. With multiple key players sidelined, the outcome may hinge on which team can effectively manage its shortened rotation and maximize contributions from role players.
Comprehensive Injury Report for Both Teams
The Milwaukee Bucks are severely hampered by absences in their frontcourt. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out with a right calf strain, marking his tenth consecutive missed game. He is joined on the injury list by Myles Turner (right calf strain), Taurean Prince (neck surgery), and Alex Antetokounmpo, who is on a G League two-way contract. This depletion leaves the Bucks vulnerable in the paint and reliant on secondary options.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans face their own injury crisis across multiple positions. The team will be without Dejounte Murray due to a right Achilles rupture, Trey Murphy III (right shoulder contusion), and Yves Missi (left calf strain). Additionally, Micah Peavy (right great toe sprain), Trey Alexander, and Hunter Dickinson—all on G League two-way deals—are unavailable. Notably, no players from either squad are listed as questionable, confirming the full extent of the absences.
Available Players and Expected Rotations
With their star players sidelined, the Milwaukee Bucks will turn to a core rotation featuring Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims. Shooting support is anticipated from Gary Harris and A.J. Green, who will need to step up to compensate for the missing firepower.
On the Pelicans' side, the burden falls heavily on Zion Williamson, who must lead the charge alongside Jordan Poole, Herbert Jones, and Saddiq Bey. With Missi out, frontcourt minutes are likely to be distributed between Kevon Looney and Derik Queen, while Jordan Hawkins and Jeremiah Fears are expected to see increased playing time to bolster the bench.
Head-to-Head Record and Team Statistics
Historically, the New Orleans Pelicans hold an advantage in the regular-season series, leading 29-21 over 50 games. This matchup marks their first encounter of the 2025-26 season, with their last meeting dating back to March 2024, when the Pelicans secured a 107-100 victory.
Analyzing team performance, the Milwaukee Bucks currently sport a 23-30 record (.434 winning percentage), averaging approximately 112–124 points per game with a field goal percentage around .525. However, their defense has been porous, allowing a high number of points and ranking mid-pack in rebounds and net rating.
In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans struggle with a 15-41 record (.268 winning percentage), scoring 114.6 points per game but shooting only 46.2% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. Their defense is a significant weakness, conceding 120.4 points per game and averaging 43.6 rebounds, resulting in a net rating of -5.8.
Key Matchups and Game Prediction
Several critical battles will shape the game's outcome. Bobby Portis faces the daunting task of containing Zion Williamson in the interior, a challenge exacerbated by the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner. On the perimeter, Jordan Poole's scoring prowess will test Milwaukee's guard defense, while Herbert Jones is poised to lock down Kyle Kuzma on the wing.
Given the circumstances, the Milwaukee Bucks are predicted to emerge victorious with a score of 108-104. Their more stable lineup and offensive efficiency provide an edge, though the Pelicans could keep the game competitive if Zion Williamson dominates. Ultimately, depth and bench contributions may prove decisive in this injury-marred contest.
