Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview: Louisiana Hype-Fest

Are you hyped up yet?

Are you sure?

Are you REALLY sure?!

Y’all, I know that the Milwaukee Bucks are the best team in the NBA, and the New Orleans Pelicans are a struggling Western Conference playoff pursuant, but if you exclude Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson might be one of the most exciting players in the entire sport. And they play each other tonight, on TNT!

Bucks Update

Following a frustrating loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Bucks dispatched the Phoenix Suns with relative ease on Sunday. This team is cruising, and despite the recent loss they’re still on-pace to win more games than last year’s 60-win campaign. The only obstacle in their way (besides a tougher schedule for the rest of the way) might be themselves, with the trade deadline coming up on Thursday.

There are enough pundits and prognosticators that implore their viewers to “not sleep on Milwaukee” with regards to the trade deadline, but the value-add needs to be substantial for Jon Horst to try and fix that which ain’t broke. The only things on this roster that aren’t running smoothly is Pat Connaughton’s ankle (he’s probable) and George Hill’s hamstring (he’s out for some time).

Player to Watch: Khris Middleton

Khash Money Middleton has been enjoying another underrated All-Star season, with impressive efficiency and a newfound penchant for ankle-breaking:

(I know Booker tripped over Brook’s foot, let me have this one.)

Pelicans Update

The Pellies are 10 games under 0.500 but are one of the more exciting young teams in the league, with talent like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Jaxson Hayes, alongside stable veterans like Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, and Derrick Favors. They’ve dealt with injury woes for most of the season but seem to be near full strength right now, and are only 4.5 games out of the West’s 8 seed. Obviously, the playoffs are a long shot right now, so this game could end up being a showcase for their established players if they decide to become sellers at the trade deadline. No matter what, there’s potential for something here in New Orleans, and the Bucks will have their hands full no matter what.

Player to Watch: Zion Williamson

LOL

This should be so much fun.