On Sunday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans (4-22) will face off against the Chicago Bulls (10-14) at the United Center in Chicago, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to break free from their recent struggles, as each team recently snapped a seven-game losing streak.
The Pelicans achieved a convincing 143-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, covering the spread as a 4-point home underdog. Trey Murphy III led the charge for New Orleans with a standout performance, scoring a game-high 24 points. This win was crucial for the Pelicans as they attempted to regain some momentum during a challenging season.
Similarly, the Bulls found their rhythm with a narrow 129-126 victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, where Josh Giddey delivered an impressive stat line of 26 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds. Coby White added 20 points, contributing to the much-needed win that allowed the Bulls to reset after their own losing streak.
Looking ahead to the betting odds, the Pelicans are positioned as +155 underdogs, while the Bulls are favored at -190. Against the spread, the Pelicans are +4.5, indicating a tough battle ahead for both teams. The Over/Under is set at 248.5, suggesting that a high-scoring affair may be anticipated.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans will be without guard Dejounte Murray due to an Achilles injury, and Zion Williamson is listed as questionable with an adductor issue. For the Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu is doubtful because of a thumb injury, while several players, including Kevin Huerter and Dalen Terry, are dealing with physical issues as well.
Experts are predicting a close game, leaning towards the Bulls to win 117-111, but cautioning about the value of the betting lines given their struggles in recent games. While the Bulls have a home-court advantage, the Pelicans have not performed well on the road this season. Additionally, it may be wise to consider betting on the Under at 248.5, as both teams have shown tendencies to struggle offensively lately.
Overall, both squads aim to build on their recent victories, making this matchup critical in their quest for improvement in the current NBA season. Fans will be watching closely to see if one team can establish an early winning streak while the other seeks to find a semblance of consistency.