Bucks vs. Pelicans odds, line: 2021 NBA picks, Dec. 17 prediction from proven computer model

Milwaukee Bucks take on New Orleans Pelicans at 8 p.m. ET Friday at Smoothie King Center. New Pelicans are 9-21 overall and 4-9 at home, while Bucks are 19-11 overall, 9.7 on the road. Milwaukee is favored by two points in the latest Pelicans vs. Bucks odds from Caesars Sportsbook. SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,00 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons.

SportsLine's model has set its sights on Pelicans vs. Bucks. The model is using a computer simulation.

The Pelicans beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-110 on Wednesday thanks to a 61-foot bomb from point guard Devonte' Graham with 1.4 seconds remaining. Brandon Ingram had 34 points and eight rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas ranks second in the league in total rebounds with 362. New Orleans will be without Zion Williamson (foot) and Kira Lewis Jr. (knee) on Friday.

Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 114-99 on Wednesday. Jrue Holiday had a double-double with 26 points and 14 assists. Pat Connaughton scored 20 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis are out for Friday. Khris Middleton is probable.

The model has simulated Pelicans vs. Bucks 10,000 times and it's leaning Under. It also generated a point-spread pick that's hitting in over 60 percent of simulations.