The Milwaukee Bucks continued their recent surge with a convincing 139-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, February 20, 2026. This win not only marked the Bucks’ third straight triumph—matching their longest winning streak of the season—but also capped a two-game season sweep over the Pelicans. With their sixth win in the last seven contests, Milwaukee improved to 24-30 on the season and gained valuable ground in the tight Eastern Conference play-in race. The result left the Pelicans reeling at 15-42, tied for the second-worst record in the NBA and still searching for answers as the season’s home stretch unfolds.
Coming into the game, both teams were grappling with significant injury woes. The Bucks were without two of their most crucial frontcourt pieces: two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined for his tenth consecutive game with a right calf strain, and center Myles Turner, also out with a calf injury. Taurean Prince (neck surgery) and Alex Antetokounmpo (G League two-way) were unavailable as well. For New Orleans, the injury list was equally daunting, as Dejounte Murray (Achilles rupture), Trey Murphy III (shoulder contusion), Yves Missi (calf strain), Micah Peavy (toe sprain), Trey Alexander, and Hunter Dickinson (both G League two-way) were all ruled out. The depleted rosters forced both coaches to lean heavily on their bench and role players, setting the stage for an unpredictable clash.
Despite the absences, Milwaukee’s offense was firing on all cylinders. Seven Bucks reached double figures, led by a dynamic showing from Cam Thomas, who poured in 27 points off the bench. Ryan Rollins matched that output with 27 points of his own, while Kevin Porter Jr. delivered a stellar all-around performance with 25 points and seven assists. Bobby Portis Jr. added 17 points and 11 rebounds, collecting his ninth double-double of the season and moving into second all-time for double-doubles off the bench in NBA history. Kyle Kuzma chipped in 14 points, Pete Nance and Ousmane Dieng each contributed 10, and the rotation was rounded out by solid minutes from Gary Trent Jr., Jericho Sims, Gary Harris, and A.J. Green. Green, however, struggled from the field, going 0-for-4.
The Bucks’ offensive efficiency was remarkable. They shot a blistering 59.8% from the floor, including 41.7% from beyond the arc, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play. As Kuzma put it before the game, “We just gotta be unselfish. At the end of the day, that’s the only reason why (we lose). If the ball stops moving, that means we’re individually selfish, you know? When it moves, then we’re good. Plain and simple.” That philosophy clearly paid dividends, as Milwaukee’s crisp passing and balanced attack kept the Pelicans’ defense on its heels all night.
New Orleans, for its part, found some offensive rhythm but struggled to keep pace. Zion Williamson continued his strong individual campaign, scoring a game-high 32 points—including 26 in the paint—while logging his 41st appearance of the season and 31st consecutive game played. Derik Queen impressed with 18 points, 14 of which came inside, and Saddiq Bey, Jordan Poole, and Herbert Jones also reached double figures. The Pelicans shot an efficient 54.7% from the field but were hampered by a dismal 16% (4-of-25) showing from three-point range, sorely missing the perimeter threat of the injured Trey Murphy III.
The Pelicans’ dominance in the paint was evident, as they racked up a staggering 84 points inside—easily the most the Bucks have allowed all season. Williamson’s relentless attacks and Queen’s interior presence exploited Milwaukee’s shorthanded frontcourt, especially with Antetokounmpo and Turner sidelined. The Pelicans also attempted 26 free throws, converting 18, but their inability to generate offense from the perimeter ultimately proved costly.
Milwaukee’s defense, while exposed at times in the paint, managed to tighten up when it mattered most. The Bucks forced 15 turnovers, which the Pelicans converted into 25 points, keeping the game within reach until late in the fourth quarter. With the score close, Milwaukee broke the contest open with a decisive 16-4 run, finally pulling away in the final minutes to secure the win. The Bucks’ victory was also aided by their prowess from beyond the arc, as they continue to rank among the NBA’s best in three-point percentage.
For the Bucks, the win had implications beyond the standings. The team’s improved play comes at a critical juncture, with Atlanta and Charlotte—both ahead in the play-in standings—losing earlier in the day. Milwaukee’s chances of sneaking into the postseason picture are still alive, especially as Antetokounmpo ramps up his rehab. According to head coach Doc Rivers, Antetokounmpo is “getting closer to a return,” having participated in half of a practice on February 19 and set to increase his workload with live sessions upon the team’s return to Milwaukee. Rivers added, “I think he’s gonna do some three-on-three, the typical buildup that we do, three-on-three, four-on-four, five-on-five. Then we’ll go to the angels and we’ll see.”
Portis, meanwhile, reflected on his recent All-Star Weekend experience, saying, “I’m forever thankful to be invited to participate in the 3-point contest. Eleven years ago when I was drafted in 2015 I never thought that would be a thing, you feel me? So, hard work pay off.” Portis did not advance out of the first round of the contest but cherished the opportunity to compete alongside the league’s elite shooters.
For New Orleans, the outlook remains challenging. The loss dropped them further behind in the Western Conference, and with several key players still sidelined, head coach Willie Green will need to coax more from his young roster. The Pelicans’ struggles on the boards and defensive lapses have been recurring themes, and their inability to connect from deep has only compounded their woes.
There’s also a layer of offseason intrigue to this matchup. Due to the 2020 Jrue Holiday trade, the Pelicans own the right to swap draft positions with Milwaukee. However, New Orleans traded that right to Atlanta, meaning their late-season performance could have ripple effects on the upcoming NBA Draft lottery. As of game day, the Pelicans had a 52.1% chance of securing a top-four pick, while the Bucks’ odds stood at 13.9%.
As the Bucks head home, the team’s momentum is unmistakable. With Antetokounmpo nearing a return and role players stepping up, Milwaukee is peaking at the right time. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they navigate a tough schedule and hope for better injury luck down the stretch. One thing’s for sure: with the playoff race tightening and the draft lottery looming, every game counts from here on out.