Bucks defeat Pelicans 111-107

The Milwaukee Bucks (44-34) held off the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans (39-39) for a 111-107 win on Sunday, April 6, behind a season-high 29 points from Gary Trent Jr. and a double-double from Brook Lopez.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo resting after logging 43 minutes in Saturday’s overtime win over Miami, the Bucks leaned on their role players — and they delivered. Lopez finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 20 points in a starting role after a big game off the bench the night before.

Milwaukee has now won four straight and holds a full-game lead over idle Detroit for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

New Orleans, missing four starters and a long list of key players, saw its reserves step up. Rookie Antonio Reeves scored 23 points, while Yves Missi notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 boards. Lester Quinones, appearing in just his ninth game this season, chipped in 17 points.

The Bucks were without more than just Giannis — Damian Lillard (right calf), Bobby Portis (suspension), and Pat Connaughton (right ankle) also sat out. That sidelined group has averaged over 69 points per game combined. Milwaukee’s starting five included Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma (17 points), Lopez, Trent, and Porter.

The Pelicans' injury report was even more extensive, with Jose Alvarado, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Hawkins, and Brandon Boston Jr. all unavailable. Bruce Brown led the Pelicans’ starters with 16 points, while Elfrid Payton added 10 assists.

Trent’s driving layup, followed by a fast-break dunk from Porter off a steal, gave Milwaukee a commanding 110-99 lead with 1:29 remaining — just enough to secure the win.

Milwaukee capitalized on New Orleans’ mistakes, turning 12 Pelicans turnovers into 18 points.

Both teams are back in action on Tuesday, April 8. The Bucks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Pelicans will face the Nets in Brooklyn.