New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Lillard, McCollum Face Off as Bucks Visit Red-Hot Pelicans

Former Portland Trail Blazers teammates Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will meet again on opposite sides when the Milwaukee Bucks visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Both teams are playing some of their best basketball of the season, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two surging squads.

Bucks Rolling as They Start Road Trip

The Bucks (32-14) head into a six-game road trip riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping a homestand. Milwaukee has won seven of its last eight games, finally looking like the title contender many expected.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Leading the Charge

• 34 points, 15 rebounds vs. 76ers
• Playing at an elite level on both ends of the floor

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Giannis emphasized the importance of continued improvement despite the Bucks’ strong stretch.

“We’re playing great team ball, we’re competing defensively, we’re playing at a good pace,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’ve been playing good. But it’s not enough.”

Damian Lillard Reaches Major Milestone

Lillard scored 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter in a 123-109 win over the 76ers and became the 38th player in NBA history to reach 22,000 career points.

“I didn’t even think about it before the game,” Lillard admitted. “Like I always say, I’m not really good about stuff like that, and then when it happens and I look back at it I’m like, ‘Man, it’s a great accomplishment.'”

With Lillard heating up late in games and Giannis dominating inside, the Bucks enter New Orleans with confidence as they prepare for a tough road test.

McCollum, Pelicans Riding Four-Game Winning Streak

The Pelicans (28-19) are playing their best basketball of the season, winning four straight and seven of their last ten.

CJ McCollum’s 45-Point Explosion

• 45 points vs. Utah, 31 after halftime
• Led New Orleans to its biggest comeback in franchise history (down 25 points)

Pelicans head coach Willie Green was in awe of McCollum’s performance against Utah.

“CJ was incredible,” Green said. “We were drawing stuff up for him and he executed over and over again. Without that effort, it would have been hard for us to win that game.”

New Orleans Showing Resilience

After trailing Utah by 20 points at halftime, the Pelicans’ defense locked in, allowing just 50 points the rest of the way.

McCollum credited the coaching staff’s halftime challenge for the turnaround.

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“The coaches challenged us to be more disciplined, be more engaged, be more aggressive and be more assertive,” McCollum said. “We didn’t bring it in the first half and it was obvious.”

Pelicans Finally Finding Consistency

New Orleans has struggled with inconsistency this season, but McCollum stressed the importance of staying focused.

“As quick as the tide turns, it can go up, it can go down,” McCollum said. “There are good days and bad days. There are losing streaks and winning streaks so you’ve got to ride the wave and keep your perspective in check.”

Can McCollum Outduel His Former Backcourt Partner?

With both teams playing at a high level, this matchup features two elite duos:

• Bucks: Giannis & Lillard – Dominant offense, defensive intensity, and closing ability
• Pelicans: McCollum & Zion Williamson – Explosive scoring and improving defensive play
• Will McCollum’s hot streak continue against his former teammate?
• Can Giannis and Lillard keep the Bucks’ momentum going on the road?
• Will the Pelicans extend their win streak and continue rising in the West?

With both teams on fire, expect a must-watch showdown in New Orleans on Wednesday night.