The Milwaukee Bucks were able to close out their post-All-Star break schedule strong, winning five of their final six games, with new additions in Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng proving they can be key pieces for this team going forward. However, at 23-30, there's still a lot of ground to make up.

Their first game out of the All-Star break will be against the New Orleans Pelicans, who hold the third-worst record in the NBA currently. If the Bucks are able to carry over their momentum, Friday's game should be an easy win. However, Milwaukee will be without two of its key contributors.

The Bucks will be without Alex Antetokounmpo (two-way) and Taurean Prince (neck), as both players have missed a majority of the season.

The main injuries for Milwaukee belong to Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Myles Turner (calf), as their two highest-paid players have been ruled OUT for Friday's contest.

Turner last appeared for Milwaukee in their 116-108 win over the Orlando Magic on February 11th, while Giannis last played in their 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on January 23rd.

However, despite rumors of Giannis potentially being traded, the two-time MVP remains in Milwaukee through the remainder of the regular season, hoping to make a playoff push once he returns to action.

The Pelicans have six players ruled OUT due to injury, headlined by star wing Trey Murphy III, who is dealing with a right shoulder contusion. He's been stellar since the start of the 2026 calendar year, averaging 24.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

The rest of the players include Trey Alexander (two-way), Hunter Dickinson (two-way), Yves Missi (calf), Dejounte Murray (Achilles), and Micah Peavy (toe).

Murray is the other notable name on this list, as he's yet to play this season after tearing his Achilles last year. Head coach James Borrego did say in a recent statement that he expects Murray to return to action in the next week, as it's been over a year since his injury.

While the Pelicans are without Murphy, they still have talent that can't be overlooked in Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen. The record surely doesn't reflect a strong team, but if Milwaukee's defense can't be dialed in, it could be a high-scoring game on both sides.

Tip-off at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.