Pelicans Vs Bulls

On Wednesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans will face off against the Chicago Bulls in a highly anticipated matchup at the Smoothie King Center. Both teams have significant ambitions for the upcoming NBA season, but each arrives at this game with different recent histories and challenges. The Pelicans, who reached the playoffs last season, were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, bringing an abrupt end to what had otherwise been a promising campaign. The Bulls, on the other hand, endured a disappointing season, finishing with a subpar 39-43 record, falling short of postseason aspirations.

As they prepare to meet on Wednesday, the odds heavily favor New Orleans, with the Pelicans listed as 6.5-point favorites according to the SportsLine consensus. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the over/under for the game is projected at 227 total points. This matchup presents an intriguing contest between two teams that are eager to start the season on the right foot, yet both have shown inconsistencies. The Bulls are 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games played in October, while the Pelicans have struggled against Central Division opponents, going 4-9 ATS in their last 13 encounters with such teams.

Pelicans' Current Standing and Betting Trends

The Pelicans come into this game after a rollercoaster of a season, which saw them climb to the playoffs only to be swept out in the first round. Despite this, the team is laden with potential and has the talent to not only make it back to the postseason but make a deeper run. However, their betting trends reveal some concerning patterns for those looking to back them. New Orleans is just 1-8 ATS in its past nine home games, which suggests they haven’t consistently performed up to expectations when playing in front of their own fans. While the team will be favored to win against Chicago, their home struggles raise a question mark about their ability to cover the spread.

New Orleans also hasn’t fared well against teams from the Central Division in recent matchups. Their 4-9 ATS record against these teams hints at an inability to consistently dominate opponents from that region, despite often being the more talented squad on paper. That said, this is a new season, and the Pelicans have the chance to reset the narrative surrounding their performance, especially at home.

On the offensive end, the Pelicans boast an array of scoring options, led by star forward Brandon Ingram. Ingram, who has developed into one of the league’s most versatile forwards, averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, establishing himself as a pivotal piece of the Pelicans’ attack. His ability to score from all three levels – inside, mid-range, and from beyond the arc – makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Additionally, Ingram’s efficiency stands out, as he connected on 49.2% of his field goals and 35.5% of his three-point attempts. He’s also reliable at the free-throw line, where he made 80.1% of his shots, further solidifying his status as a premier scorer.

Another key figure for the Pelicans is veteran guard C.J. McCollum. McCollum was a major contributor last season, averaging 20.0 points per game while adding 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, McCollum converted 42.9% of his three-point attempts last season and remains a vital part of the Pelicans’ offensive game plan. His leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial as New Orleans looks to get off to a strong start this season. McCollum’s experience and consistency offer a calming presence for the Pelicans, particularly in close games where his ability to create his own shot can make a significant difference.

Bulls' Recent Struggles and Betting Performance

The Chicago Bulls enter this game with something to prove after a disappointing season in which they failed to make the playoffs. With a 39-43 record last season, the Bulls struggled with consistency, especially in tight games where their offense often faltered. The team will be looking to change its fortunes this year, but it won’t be easy against a New Orleans team that has shown flashes of dominance when healthy.

From a betting perspective, the Bulls haven’t been particularly strong in recent years when it comes to covering the spread, especially early in the season. Chicago is just 1-5 ATS in its last six games played in October, a troubling trend that may give bettors pause when considering backing the Bulls in this contest. While Chicago has the talent to keep games close, they’ve consistently underperformed against the spread early in the season, which suggests they may take time to find their rhythm.

On the court, the Bulls will be leaning heavily on their star players to keep them competitive in this matchup. Zach LaVine, who averaged 24.8 points per game last season, remains the focal point of the Bulls’ offense. His scoring prowess is well-documented, as he’s one of the league’s most athletic and explosive guards. LaVine’s ability to get to the rim, knock down jump shots, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will be crucial if Chicago hopes to stay within striking distance of the Pelicans. However, the Bulls will need more than just LaVine to produce if they are to keep pace with New Orleans.

Another key contributor for the Bulls is DeMar DeRozan, who continues to be one of the most reliable mid-range scorers in the league. DeRozan’s knack for getting to his spots and consistently knocking down tough shots has made him a vital part of Chicago’s offense. His leadership and experience will be essential for a Bulls team that is trying to improve on last season’s disappointing finish. If DeRozan can get going early, it could take some of the pressure off LaVine and give Chicago the offensive balance they’ll need to compete.

What to Expect from the Matchup

This game features two teams at different stages in their development, but both have plenty of talent to make noise this season. The Pelicans, led by Ingram and McCollum, have the offensive firepower to overwhelm opponents, especially if their key players are in sync. The addition of young players like Zion Williamson, who is hoping for a healthy season, could make the Pelicans even more dangerous.

For Chicago, the key will be limiting the Pelicans’ transition opportunities and forcing them into tough half-court sets. The Bulls have shown in the past that they can be a strong defensive team, particularly with players like Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams, who provide energy and defensive versatility. If Chicago can slow the game down and keep New Orleans from getting easy baskets, they’ll have a chance to cover the spread and potentially pull off the upset.

One of the most important factors in this game will be how well the Pelicans can take care of the ball. Turnovers plagued New Orleans at times last season, and giving a team like Chicago extra possessions could prove costly. On the flip side, the Bulls will need to improve their own offensive efficiency, particularly when it comes to three-point shooting. Chicago was one of the league’s worst teams from beyond the arc last season, and that weakness could be exposed against a Pelicans team that likes to play fast and get out in transition.

As the game approaches, both teams will be looking to establish their identity for the new season. For the Pelicans, that means continuing to develop as an offensive juggernaut while shoring up their defense, particularly on the perimeter. For the Bulls, the focus will be on finding offensive balance and improving their consistency on both ends of the floor.

Betting Odds and Predictions

The current betting lines for the game favor New Orleans by 6.5 points, a reflection of their talent advantage and home-court edge. However, with the Pelicans’ struggles against the spread at home and against Central Division opponents, bettors may hesitate to lay the points. The over/under is set at 227, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which has a proven track record of success, has simulated this game 10,000 times and provided its own predictions for the outcome. The model has been a reliable source for bettors, returning over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six seasons. Last season, the model finished with a stellar 94-61 record on its top-rated NBA picks, generating over $2,800 in profit. Bettors can visit SportsLine to see the model’s latest picks and predictions for this matchup.

In terms of moneyline betting, New Orleans is currently listed at -267, while Chicago sits at +217, reflecting the Pelicans’ status as the favorites. However, with both teams still looking to find their form early in the season, this game could provide surprises for bettors, especially if Chicago can address its weaknesses from last season.

Final Thoughts

This early-season matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential of two teams with very different expectations for the 2024-25 season. The Pelicans are aiming for a deeper playoff run, while the Bulls are looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign. With star players on both sides and plenty of intriguing storylines, this game is sure to be a must-watch for NBA fans. Whether the Pelicans can cover the spread or the Bulls can defy the odds will depend on how each team executes its game plan, but one thing is certain: both teams are eager to start the season strong.