New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Predictions and Betting Tips – December 14th

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Chicago Bulls are at the United Center in Illinois on Sunday for their second matchup of the season. New Orleans took the first meeting, coming away with a 143–130 victory.

Both teams come into this match on the back of victories in their previous matches. The Bulls cruised to a 129-126 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, while the Pelicans posted an impressive 143-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Chicago (10–14) remained in 11th place in the Eastern Conference after this result, while New Orleans (4–22) remained in 15th place in the West.

While both sides will be eager to gain momentum, the Pelicans will have to address their 1-10 record on the road against a Bulls team that has gone 6-5 at home.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Preview, Odds, Betting Tips & Prediction

Moneyline: Pelicans +164, Bulls -198

Spread: Pelicans +4.5 (EVEN), Bulls -4.5 (-120)

Total over/under (o/u): Pelicans o243.5 (-110), Bulls u243.5 (-110)

*Editor’s Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip*

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Preview

New Orleans enters the game having snapped a seven-game losing streak, though it was just their second win in 18 outings. The Pelicans will need to put up a strong all-around performance if they want to pick up another win on Sunday.

They’ll need to do better on the defensive end, where New Orleans is giving up 123.5 points per game, the second worst in the league. Their offense has been slightly better at 114.2 points per game, though it still ranks 24th overall.

Trey Murphy III has been the team’s most consistent player, averaging 21.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson leads the team in scoring with 22.1 points per night, but has only started 10 games so far this season.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls ended their own seven-game losing streak in their previous matchup. That slump came after a strong start to the season, where the Bulls won five straight before struggling in November.

That slump has gone hand in hand with Chicago’s defensive woes, as the Bulls own the third-worst defense in the league, allowing 122.7 points per game. Offensively, they are closer to the middle of the pack with 117.8 points per game.

Josh Giddey he’s been the only positive for the Bulls this season, averaging 20.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg and 9.0 apg. Since returning from injury, Coby White has also made an impact, putting up 21.9 points per game in six starts.

Both teams will come up short, though Chicago faces the biggest challenge. The Bulls will be without Noa Essengue and Kevin Huerter, while Coby White, Jalen Terry and Ayo Dosunmu are questionable.

New Orleans, meanwhile, will be without Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray for the game.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls predicted starting five

The New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting five

PG- Jeremiah Fears, SG- Trey Murphy III, SF- Herb Jones, PF- Saddiq Bey, C- Derik Queen

Chicago Bulls predicted starting five

PG- Josh Giddey, SG- Tre Jones, SF- Issac Ocour, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Vucevic

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Betting Tips

Trey Murphy III is projected to score over 18.5 points after his 24-point outing. He is averaging 21.2 points per game.

Josh Giddey is projected to score over 20.5 points. He is averaging 20.5 points per game this season.

Nikola Vucevic is expected to grab 7.5+ rebounds. He averages 9.1 rebounds per game.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction

The Chicago Bulls are -4.5 favorites in the spread. Given the Pelicans’ 1-10 record on the road and the Bulls’ home-court advantage, Chicago should easily cover the spread.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls to win by 7 points or less