The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This matchup carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate through the current NBA season.
Current Team Performance
The Pelicans, sitting at 8 wins and 26 losses, have struggled recently, losing four consecutive games. In their last outing, they fell to the New York Knicks with a score of 130-125, although they managed to cover a 9.5-point spread. Forward Zion Williamson stood out by scoring a game-high 32 points. Despite their woes, the Pelicans have a decent record against the spread, boasting a 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games and a 19-13-2 ATS record overall this season.
Conversely, the Bulls, holding a record of 15-17, have also faced setbacks. They experienced a tough loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, suffering a 136-101 defeat while failing to cover the 6-point spread. Center Nikola Vucevic led the team with 23 points but the Bulls have now lost their last two games after a five-game win streak. They are 4-2-1 ATS in that span, and their overall record stands at 14-16-2 ATS for the season.
Matchup Odds
The odds from BetMGM Sportsbook for the Pelicans vs. Bulls matchup are as follows:
- Moneyline: Pelicans +100; Bulls -120
- Against the Spread: Pelicans +1.5 (-110); Bulls -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 248.5 (O: -105; U: -115)
Key Player Injuries
Injuries may play a role in the game:
- Pelicans:
- Jose Alvarado (suspension) – out
- Herbert Jones (ankle) – out
- Dejounte Murray (Achilles) – out
- Bulls:
- Zach Collins (toe) – out
- Josh Giddey (hamstring) – out
- Coby White (calf) – out
Predictions and Best Bets
Analysts predict a close contest, favoring the Bulls with a final score of 128 to 122. The recommendation is to bet on the Bulls at -120. The Pelicans have only secured two wins on the road this season and have one of the league’s poorest defenses, allowing significant points in recent games.
Considering that both teams struggle defensively, with the Pelicans ranked 27th and the Bulls 24th in defensive efficiency, a high-scoring game is expected. The recommendation is to bet on the total going over 248.5 at -110, based on their high pace of play and recent scoring trends.
This matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Chicago Bulls promises excitement for basketball fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
