New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/02/2024, 06:05  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 25/02/2024 at 11:00 in NBA Prediction

The Chicago Bulls travel to the Smoothie King Center to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA on Sunday night. The hosts are 34-23 and fifth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 26-30 and ninth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Chicago Bulls have been struggling of late, losing three of their last four games. They are now aiming to get back on track after a disappointing 129-112 loss to the Celtics on Thursday. Nikola Vucevic led the team with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Coby White added 20 points. Chicago ranks 25th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 111.8 points per game, while New Orleans ranks eighth in points allowed per game, conceding an average of 112. Their lack of point production is primarily due to their inability to score from beyond the arc, where they rank 22nd. Defensively, the Bulls have been stronger, allowing an average of 112.3 points per game. Zach LaVine, Torrey Craig, Lonzo Ball, and Patrick Williams are uncertain for this match.

The New Orleans Pelicans have won eight of their last ten games but now need to bounce back after their four-game win streak was halted by the Heat in a 106-95 loss on Friday. Zion Williamson led the team with 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Herbert Jones added 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting. The Pelicans rank 14th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 116.3 points per game, while the Bulls allow the 12th-fewest points per game, conceding an average of 113.2. Defensively, the Pelicans allow an average of 112 points per game, ranking them eighth overall in points allowed. New Orleans is particularly strong at defending inside the three-point line, where their opponents have a field goal shooting percentage of 46.4%. The Pelicans could be dealing with significant injuries in this match, with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson listed as questionable, while CJ McCollum is ruled out with an ankle injury.