Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

Two teams with losing records collide in Chicago overnight, as the Bulls (9-14) host an intriguing New Orleans Pelicans (11-12) side who have won four straight for the first time so far this season.

Can they make it five on the bounce as they begin a four-game road trip here, or will Zach LaVine and his determined teammates have something to say about their encouraging streak of late? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview

All-Star candidate LaVine had 35 points and six assists, but couldn't help Chicago avoid a surprising home defeat by a struggling Washington Wizards team last time out.

Even without All-Star guard Russell Westbrook through pre-arranged rest, Bradley Beal and the dwindling visitors found a way to sneak away with a four-point victory (105-101).

It doesn't help that their next highest scorer was PF Thaddeus Young from the bench (14 pts, 6 ast, 5 rebs). Still, the inefficient shooting bug appears to have impacted starters (39 points combined on 34 shots) at precisely the wrong time considering their existing injury problems.

More on that later, but the Pels have enjoyed an encouraging run of late reiterated by their home thrashing against the Rockets - seven players with 10 or more points, alongside critical bench production. Brandon Ingram led them with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, he and reported trade target Lonzo Ball connected on three triples while Zion Williamson impressed as usual.

Fourth-year guard Josh Hart (back spasms) remains listed as day-to-day on the Pelicans' injury report but produced one of his best performances as a professional (20 pts, 17 rebs, three assists, two blocks, one steal) in 40 minutes during their 130-101 thrashing against the Rockets.

Chicago has multiple key players sidelined including PF Lauri Markkanen (shoulder), C Wendell Carter Jr (quad) and SF Otto Porter Jr (back). They are averaging 43 points between the trio, 20 rebounds and five assists this term so Billy Donovan's men will again be severely weakened here - having lost six of their last eight games.

Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Tips

ESPN's BPI is backing the Pelicans (65.7% win probability) in this matchup. Ultimately, it's hard to argue against them judging by their hosts' injury problems as evidenced in the previous paragraph. Chicago is 3-8 at home this season and while LaVine (27.4 PPG, 50.9 FG%) will be determined to carry them against all odds, it's unlikely they'll get the job done on this occasion.