Bucks beat Pelicans 139-118 for their 3rd straight victory and 6th in 7 games

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Ryan Rollins made a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 27 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 139-118 on Friday night for their third straight victory and sixth in seven games.

Playing without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks pulled away in the fourth quarter to improve to 24-30. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined four weeks by a strained right calf.

Bucks newcomer Cam Thomas, a former LSU star, had 27 points in 21 minutes off the bench, and Kevin Porter added 25 points. Rollins was 7 of 10 on 3s and had six assists, four steals and two blocks. The Bucks were coming off a victory at defending champion Oklahoma City before the All-Star break.

Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 32 points in the first game of home back-to-back, while scoring leader Trey Murphy sat out because of a sore right shoulder. The Pelicans dropped to 15-42.

Rollins had 16 points in the first half to help Milwaukee take a 71-65 lead. Williamson had 21 points in the half.

The Bucks took a 103-96 advantage into the fourth. After the Pelicans cut it to 108-102 on Williamson’s layup, the Bucks pulled away with a 14-4 run. Pete Nance hit two 3s and a layup during the run.

Bucks: Host Toronto on Sunday.

Pelicans: Host Philadelphia on Saturday night.

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New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) looks to shoot in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole looks to pass the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

Milwaukee Bucks guard-forward Kevin Porter Jr. (7) shoots the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson celebrates after dunking in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

ATLANTA (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 24 points in his return from a rib injury and the Miami Heat never trailed in a 128-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

Bam Adebayo had 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists for Miami, and Norman Powell added 15 points in his first game since participating in his first All-Star game. Kel'el Ware had 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Jalen Johnson had 16 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists for Atlanta for his 11th triple-double of the season. It is the most in franchise history for a single season and leads the Eastern Conference.

Oneka Okongwu led Atlanta with 22 points. CJ McCollum had 20 points off the bench. He hit four 3-pointers.

Herro played his 12th game of the season. He missed the last 15 because of a rib injury and returned with a flak jacket.

He came off the bench and did not seem restricted at all, scoring 16 points in the first half. Herro also has missed time with ankle and toe injuries.

The Heat have won six of seven on the road.

Heat: Host Memphis on Saturday.

Hawks: Host Brooklyn on Sunday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Atlanta Hawks forward Corey Kispert (24) shoots against Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, and guard Davion Mitchell, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) shoots against Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) grabs a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)