The Milwaukee Bucks host the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Both teams enter the game dealing with injuries and inconsistent results, making player availability an important factor.Milwaukee is trying to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference despite missing key contributors, while New Orleans is attempting to close the gap in the Western standings. With both rosters affected, the game could depend on which team manages its rotation better.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report and expected rotation impact vs New Orleans Pelicans (February 4, 2026)
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out with a lower-body injury and has already missed several games. In his absence, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez have carried much of the workload, but Milwaukee’s frontcourt depth is limited.
Milwaukee Bucks Injuries and availability (as of Feb 4, 2026)
| Status | Player | Injury |
| Out | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Lower body |
| Out | Kevin Porter Jr. | Undisclosed |
| Out | Taurean Prince | Lower body |
| Questionable | Gary Harris | Ankle/illness |
| Questionable | Bobby Portis | Back |
If Harris and Portis are out, Milwaukee could tighten its rotation. Damian Lillard would likely take on a larger scoring role, while Pat Connaughton and the younger wings may get more minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report and lineup outlook vs Milwaukee Bucks (February 4, 2026)
The New Orleans Pelicans are still without Dejounte Murray, which hurts their playmaking and perimeter defense. Zion Williamson has missed games this season but is expected to play unless there is a late setback.
New Orleans Pelicans Injuries and availability (as of Feb 4, 2026)
| Status | Player | Injury |
| Out | Dejounte Murray | Lower body |
| Questionable | Hunter Dickinson | Ankle |
With Murray out, CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III are taking on more ball-handling responsibilities. Jonas Valančiūnas and Jaxson Hayes are expected to handle much of the interior work.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-head history and recent meetings
The Pelicans lead the all-time regular-season series 29-20 across 49 games. Milwaukee, however, has won four of the last five matchups.That stretch includes a 136-111 Bucks win at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2025, and a 111-107 Pelicans victory in the most recent meeting on April 6, 2025. Recent games show Milwaukee has been able to take advantage of defensive mistakes from New Orleans when both teams are near full strength.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Team performance entering February
Milwaukee sits around the .500 mark or slightly below. The team ranks near league average offensively but has struggled on defense, especially guarding the three-point line and protecting the paint without Antetokounmpo. The Bucks remain strong on the glass with Lopez and Portis, though that could change if Portis is limited.In their last game before this matchup, Milwaukee recorded its highest non-overtime scoring total since November after previously scoring just 79 points against Boston, showing how much their output can vary.New Orleans enters with a losing record but remains within reach of the playoff picture. The offense is effective when Williamson and McCollum are on the floor, but the team has had trouble closing games. Defensively, the Pelicans have struggled against pick-and-roll actions and perimeter shooting.A recent 124-114 loss in Philadelphia reflected those issues. New Orleans erased a 15-point deficit and briefly led 109-107 in the fourth quarter before being outscored 17-5 late.
Key matchups that could decide the New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks game
Milwaukee guards vs depleted Pelicans perimeter defense
Lillard and his backcourt partner, possibly Malik Beasley or another replacement, will test New Orleans’ perimeter defense without Murray. Harris’ availability could provide another scoring option; if he does not play, Milwaukee’s offense may become easier to defend.
Zion Williamson vs Milwaukee’s interior
Lopez offers rim protection but can be challenged by Williamson’s strength and speed. If Portis is unavailable, Milwaukee may need to use smaller lineups or send extra defenders, which could leave shooters open. New Orleans is likely to involve Lopez in pick-and-roll situations, while Milwaukee will try to limit Williamson in transition and force mid-range attempts.
Three-point shooting and floor spacing
Milwaukee attempts a high number of threes through Lillard, Middleton, and its shooters. New Orleans has produced strong shooting stretches but has also gone cold at times. If Milwaukee converts from deep, it could create separation. If the game slows and New Orleans controls the rebounds, Williamson and Valančiūnas could keep the Pelicans within reach.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and major storylines
Milwaukee has a slight advantage at home, especially if Harris and Portis are cleared to play. Still, the absence of Antetokounmpo reduces the margin for error.Key questions remain: Can Milwaukee’s guards take advantage of New Orleans’ weakened backcourt? Will Williamson produce against a thinner front line? And can the Bucks compensate for defensive issues with perimeter scoring?Also read: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Milwaukee Bucks star’s injury report (February 4, 2026)The result is likely to depend on player availability and execution in the closing minutes.
