The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 127-112, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.

Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo being unavailable due to a load management day, the Bucks (22-3) impressively never missed a beat while taking a 35-20 lead through the first 12 minutes. That edge had climbed to 23 points by halftime, and although the Pelicans (6-19) played more competitively in the second half while putting up 66 points overall, Milwaukee was able to secure a comfortable home win.

J.J. Redick led the Pelicans with 31 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram generated a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Jrue Holiday supplied 21 points, six assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Jaxson Hayes provided 12 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks off the bench.

Eric Bledsoe paced the Bucks with 29 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Khris Middleton registered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ersan Ilyasova totaled 18 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. George Hill compiled 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Bucks tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday night as well.