MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Bucks closed out the preseason with a 127-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans down at the Smoothie King Center.

Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play due to what the team called a sore back. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer did not express a lot of concern about the injury, saying he thinks it's related to trying to ramp up for the regular season.

In his absence, Khris Middleton finished with 29 points in 26 minutes of action.

Two other starters finished in double figures. Jrue Holiday had 15 points against his former team and Donte DiVincenzo added 10 points.

Facing the Pelicans also means that Eric Bledsoe matched up with his former team for the first time. He finished with 14 points on the night.

The Bucks will tipoff the regular season the next time they step on the court. The Bucks face the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:30pm on TNT.