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The new-look Chicago Bulls with a youthful core aim for consistency this season when they begin their 2024-25 NBA season with an away skirmish over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday (Oct. 23). After a mediocre run in their last two editions, the Bulls once a dynasty and currently years away from being one again finally hit reboot this offseason by dismantling their 'Big 3' and starting a rebuild.
Despite being a trade rumor staple all summer, the once-a-franchise-cornerstone Zach LaVine continues to remain on the roster with an unclear future. Nikola Vucevic fell short of expectations, while Lonzo Ball has finally made the court after battling injuries for two years. Chances are that all three players will probably find a new home by the end of the season, but the question of which direction the franchise is heading to remains ahead of the new campaign.
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The Bulls, a play-in contender at best, will need to look consistent with or without their remaining big names in the days to come. On paper, their current roster filled with talented young guns promises versatility and potential, but the results will be determined over the next 82 games starting with a key opening contest against the Pelicans.
New Orleans, pegged as perennial playoff contenders made the postseason twice in the last five seasons. They made a significant trade in Dejounte Murray this summer to elevate their backcourt alongside seasoned campaigner CJ McCollum but have familiar problems to deal with as they gear up for the new season.
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Good chemistry and health permitting, the Pelicans core looks lethal with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Murray, and McCollum. Between the quartet, they cover bases — scoring, perimeter defense, and playmaking that could see them hold on to a midfield spot, but the two aforementioned caveats remain. The Pelicans are projected to be a play-in team in a stacked West like their opponents.
Both teams squared off twice last season with the Bulls winning both the contests. They also lead New Orleans 27-21 in their 48 head-to-head regular season games.
Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans skirmish tips off at 8 pm ET. Local coverage will be on GCSEN / WVUE and Chicago Sports Network. The game can also be streamed live on Fubo TV and the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds as listed at the time of writing.
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans preview
The Chicago Bulls' 3-2 preseason isn't anything to boast about, but the fact that their new-look core delivered in three games is perhaps enough to stir some intrigue.
To start with, their still a key star LaVine has looked healthy, and has shown his capabilities as a certified bucket in four of his five exhibition appearances. Lonzo Ball looks rejuvenated and in his preseason outing showed that he didn't lose his court vision, perimeter shooting, or passing abilities during his lengthy injury absence. He will be on minutes restriction for the foreseeable future but has proved that he can make a solid impact.
Chicago sacrificed Alex Caruso, one of the league's best point-of-attack defenders for Josh Giddey. What he lacks on defense, he makes up for with his playmaking and scoring abilities. He also fits in coach Billy Donovan's preference of having multiple ball-handlers on the floor alongside White and LaVine. In Matas Buzelis, they have an athletic and explosive rookie who can ball, although the shooting is streaky.
The Bulls have defensive limitations. Without Caruso, their perimeter defense will see a massive void. Jalen Smith is a rebound threat and is a handy scorer, but like Giddey and even Vucevic, he isn't an elite defender. A depleted frontcourt will be their bane if their efforts on that end are below par.
The Pelicans face the same issue as the Bulls, especially on days when they have no Murray or Williamson. They lack a bonafide center after losing Jonas Valanciunas in the offseason. New Orleans' rim protection and interior defense are questionable when looking at their current roster construction.
Then comes the question of health. Williamson and Ingram have dealt with their fair share of injuries over the last few seasons, and the former is a GTD ahead of the matchup. Ingram, like LaVine, found no takers in the summer and will remain with the side until he finds someone wanting his skill sets.
At this point, it's hard to see the Pelicans as title contenders. But if all of their plans fall into place, they will most certainly live up to their expectations as a play-in side.
Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups
The Bulls may have a healthy Lonzo Ball in their fold, but they may not necessarily bring their PG in to start proceedings on Tuesday. This would mean the side going with Aussie guard Giddey at point and bringing Ball off the bench.
Chicago Bulls injuries: None
The Pelicans will be sweating over Murray and Williamson's availability with both stars labeled as game-time decisions. If they do sit out, Ingram and McCollum form their backcourt.
New Orleans Pelicans injuries: Zion Williamson (illness), Dejounte Murray (personal reasons), and Jose Alvarado (knee) are listed as questionable. Trey Murphy III is out.
Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tips
Nikola Vucevic is listed at an o/u of -125/120 ahead of the matchup. Also, keep an eye out for Zach LaVine (-105 over and -120 under). Williamson, while listed as a GTD is -113/118.
Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction
The Chicago Bulls come off a promising preseason and take on a dented Pelicans team in their first game. If they get off the blocks with good pace and solid shooting, they will be able to get off to a winning start. The Pelicans' fightback depends on how they fare in the absence of Williamson and/or Murray and on the defensive end. Take the Bulls for a win on Tuesday.
Pelicans Fan? Check out the latest New Orlean Pelicans depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
