New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 14, 2025

The NBA's Tuesday schedule includes a New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls clash. Despite the unimpressive records of both teams — New Orleans at 8-32, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, and Chicago at 18-21, in 10th place in the East — this matchup has plenty of excitement potential, especially with dynamic players like Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine.

Here’s an in-depth preview of the New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls game, set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Pelicans (+105) vs Bulls (-124)

Spread: Pelicans +1.5 (-110) vs Bulls -1.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Pelicans o239.5 (-110) vs Bulls u239.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls preview

Although it's only January, it’s clear that the New Orleans Pelicans’ season has likely already slipped away. Injuries have dominated their season, and they can’t seem to catch a break. Their record would be the worst in the league if it weren’t for the 6-32 Washington Wizards.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans have delivered some thrilling moments. They pulled off an upset against the Philadelphia 76ers despite missing Zion Williamson and nearly knocked off the Boston Celtics, losing by a single point, 120-119.

The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, are working hard to improve their playoff chances or at least secure a spot in the play-in tournament. However, they’ve stumbled recently, dropping two of their last three games.

Zach LaVine has been on fire, recording six consecutive 30-point games. During this stretch, he’s averaged 33.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 58.0%, including 46.3% from beyond the arc.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls predicted starting lineups

For the Pelicans, Herbert Jones is out with a shoulder injury, Brandon Ingram is out with an ankle injury and Dejounte Murray is questionable due to an elbow issue.

For the Bulls, Coby White is questionable with an eye injury, Adama Sanogo is out with a knee injury, Torrey Craig is out with a leg injury and Ayo Dosunmu is questionable due to an Achilles issue.

Pelicans

G - Dejounte Murray | G - CJ McCollum | F - Trey Murphy III | F - Zion Williamson | C - Yves Missi

Bulls

G - Josh Giddey | G - Lonzo Ball | F - Zach LaVine | F - Patrick Williams | C - Nikola Vucevic

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls betting props

• Zach LaVine to score over 28.5 points is -109 on Caesars. Expect him to clear this.
• CJ McCollum scoring under 19.5 points is -121 on Caesars. Expect him to be limited tonight.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls prediction

This game is an entertaining matchup, even though the teams’ records don’t tell the full story. The Bulls are the favorites, but we’re predicting an upset win for the Pelicans. They’ve been in close contests recently, and we expect them to break through and defeat the Bulls tonight.