Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview/Prop Pick

After a recent, devastating loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Chicago Bulls will look to bounce back. Their offense was shut down by the Bucks defense and limited to just 98 points.

This match against the New Orleans Pelicans is a much better matchup for Chicago. However, the Bulls can’t take the Pelicans for granted, even if they won the previous match against them.

The New Orleans Pelicans just took a 106-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. However, a silver lining there is that they held the Hornets offense to just 106 points. The Pelicans, along with the Bulls, are still dealing with a few injuries.

One of these key injuries to the Pelicans is Brandon Ingram, who has been ruled out for this game. So, between these two, who’s the better bet?

Chicago Bulls: Chicago is desperate for a win on the road 

In four straight road games, the Chicago Bulls have lost each of them. Getting road wins is vital right now as they ramp towards the NBA playoffs.

Chicago can’t afford to lose road games in a seven-game series because it could mean elimination. A few players have made the injury list for this game. Both DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are listed as “day-to-day” but should play.

The Chicago offense is ranked at the No.10 spot in the NBA, averaging 111.79 points per game. However, their defense has taken a massive step back in recent weeks. Chicago is allowing an average of 111.21 points per game.

This lackluster defense has led them on a skid through the Eastern Conference. In a short time, the Bulls have gone from second to fifth in the East. 

New Orleans Pelicans: Barely holding onto the No.10 spot

The Pelicans are being trailed closely by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference. Each loss gets them closer to being overtaken by the Spurs and losing their position.

As it stands, the Pelicans are 30-42 and 16-20 when playing at home. Although it’s an advantage to play in your own arena, it doesn’t seem like it’s helped much. So, how can they beat the Chicago Bulls?

For starters, slowing the production of DeMar DeRozan is key. DeRozan leads the Bulls in scoring (27.6), assists per game (5.0), and field-goal percentage (50.5%).

If you can slow his production, you can bring the Bulls to a stop. This is similar to what the Pelicans did against the Charlotte Hornets. If they can repeat this process, the Pelicans could come away with a win.

Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick

The Chicago Bulls come into this game as only one-point favorites. This is essentially a pick ‘em game because of how poorly the Bulls have performed lately.

This is their chance to bounce back after the devastating loss to the Bucks. When they last played the Pelicans, the Bulls won 128-112; we expect a similar outcome here.

The Pelicans will be missing one of their best players, Brandon Ingram. With Ingram out of the lineup, we expect the Bulls to win this one slightly easier. It’ll still be close, but the Bulls will win by enough to cover the spread, with the total going over. 

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Chicago Bulls -1, OVER

Prop Pick

Jonas Valanciunas (-105) OVER 18.5 Points

Valanciunas is averaging 18.1 points per game, which ranks No. 3 on the Pelicans. That average increases to 18.6 points per game since the All-Star break and 18.8 points per game over his last 10 games.

With Dunkel predicting a high-scoring game tonight with the final score going OVER the Vegas total, take the Valanciunas (-105) to be in the middle of the New Orleans offense and finish OVER his Vegas total of 18.5 points against Chicago.

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