New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Preview
At 7:00 ET, the New Orleans Pelicans (-153) will host the Chicago Bulls (+128) in a non-conference matchup. The Bulls are currently 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 26-30 record, while the Pelicans are 5th in the Western Conference at 34-23. The over/under line for the game is 222.5.
TV coverage for tonight’s game will be provided by NBCS. The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will be the site for this contest.
Check out BetCoco for New Orleans Pelicans – Chicago Bulls odds
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Last season, the Bulls and Pelicans did not face off head-to-head. When looking back over the last three times these two teams have played, the Pelicans have the leg up at 2-1. The Pelicans also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 2-1. These games averaged a combined total of 234 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-1.
- Chicago has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 116 points per game while allowing 113. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
- Across their ten previous home games, New Orleans has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 6-4 while averaging 111 points per game.
- In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Bulls have a straight up record of 2-8 and an ATS mark of 4-6.
- Although the Pelicans have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 2-3.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction
Today, the Bulls are looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they take on the Pelicans. In their most recent game, the Bulls lost to the Celtics by a score of 129-112. The O/U line for that game was 223.5.
For the season, the Bulls have an O/U record of 30-25-1, and their games have averaged a combined 225 points. Today’s O/U line is set at 222.5, and the Bulls have played to an average of 222.2 points per game.
Chicago is 10-21 as the underdog this season and has gone 16-15 ATS as the underdog. On the road, they are 14-13 ATS compared to 15-13 straight-up.
In the Eastern Conference, the Bulls are currently in 9th place with a record of 26-30. As the underdog, they are 10-21 this season, and they are 4-8 as the underdog in their last 12 games.
So far this season, the Bulls are averaging 111.8 points per game, which is 26th in the league. They have been slightly better on the road, averaging 111.5 points per game compared to 112.1 at home.
Chicago is 21st in field goal percentage at 46% and 23rd in true shooting percentage. From beyond the arc, they are shooting 36% which is 20th in the NBA.
When it comes to pace, the Bulls are 27th in the league at 96.9 possessions per game. In terms of assists, they are 28th in the NBA with an average of 24.4 per game.
The Bulls’ defense is presently ranked 12th in the league, allowing an average of 113.2 points per contest. Inside the arc, the Bulls defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 55.8% and 36.9% from three-point territory.
In the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans are currently in 5th place with a record of 34-23. In their division, they are in 1st place. Today, they are favored by 3 points and have a record of 21-12 as the favorite.
When looking at their ATS record, the Pelicans are 31-26 for the season. At home, they are 16-12 ATS compared to 15-14 on the road. In their last three games as the favorite, they are 1-2 ATS.
New Orleans’ O/U record for the season is 27-30, and their games have averaged 228.2 points per game. Today’s O/U line is set at 222.5, and 45 of their games have had higher O/U lines.
The Pelicans’ last game was a 106-95 loss to the Heat. They were favored by 2.5 points in that game but did not cover the spread. The O/U line for that game was 220.5 points.
At home, the Pelicans are averaging 117.1 points per game this season, which is 15th in the league. Overall, they are 14th in scoring at 116.3 points per game.
When it comes to pace, New Orleans is 18th in the NBA at 98.2 possessions per game. In terms of field goal percentage, they are 9th in the league at 48%.
So far, the Pelicans have attempted the 23rd most three-pointers per game at 32.2. However, they are shooting 37% from beyond the arc, which is 11th in the NBA.
Coming into the game, the Pelicans’ defense has finished three straight games with an increased number of points allowed. Overall, they are 8th in the league at 112.0 points per game allowed. Opponents are hitting 55.7% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 34.7% of their three-point attempts.
Looking at our projections, the Pelicans are expected to take down the Bulls by a score of 117-95.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Betting Tips
- Take the Pelicans on the moneyline
- The Pelicans should also cover at -3
- Our NBA model projects 212 points, and we suggest taking the under
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
- CJ McCollum – Ankle – Out
- Brandon Ingram – Illness – Questionable
- Zion Williamson – Foot – Questionable
- Dyson Daniels – Knee – Out
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
- Zach LaVine – Ankle – Out
- Lonzo Ball – Knee – Out
- Torrey Craig – Knee – Out
- Patrick Williams – Foot – Out
