Coming off one of their more impressive wins of the season Friday vs. Memphis, New Orleans (20-30) did several things very well Sunday at Houston, but couldn’t overcome at least two key weaknesses, including 23 turnovers and the Rockets’ 11 offensive rebounds, the latter mostly in the second half. The Pelicans know that a repeat of that will spell big trouble Tuesday against the NBA’s best team. Milwaukee (42-7) is capable of capitalizing on any mistake, boasting the league’s No. 1 defense and second-ranked offense. The Bucks are also fourth in three-pointers made per game (13.9).
“We know we have to take care of the ball better – that’s been preached to us for the last few days,” Pelicans guard JJ Redick said after Tuesday’s shootaround of limiting turnovers.