NBA 2025-2026: New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans
Home Team
38.0%
123.0 pts
VS
Chicago Bulls
Away Team
62.0%
121.9 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Chicago Bulls are predicted to edge past the New Orleans Pelicans with a 62.0% probability, in a closely contested game forecasted to end 123.0 to 121.9. The expected starting five for the Pelicans includes Jeremiah Fears, Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen. For the Bulls, the lineup features Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vučević.
Game Analysis
In recent performances, the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled, with three consecutive losses against the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Denver Nuggets. Their scores suggest competitive encounters but ultimately fell short, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Conversely, the Chicago Bulls have shown resilience, winning two out of their last three games, including tight victories over the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers, albeit suffering a heavy defeat to the Miami Heat.
Analyzing the starting lineups, the Pelicans possess a mix of offensive capabilities, with Zion Williamson leading their scoring with an average of 21.43 points. However, their defensive ratings, particularly Jeremiah Fears' 121.9, suggest potential challenges in containing the Bulls' offense. The Bulls boast a more balanced attack, with Coby White's impressive 24.0 average points and the efficient play of Ayo Dosunmu, who holds an offensive rating of 128.9. Their defensive metrics, while not stellar, are slightly more robust than those of the Pelicans, which could be crucial in this matchup.
Final Prediction
The Chicago Bulls have a slight edge thanks to their recent form and a balanced offensive lineup, which could exploit the Pelicans' defensive weaknesses. A key factor to watch will be the performance of Coby White, as his scoring prowess could be pivotal in tipping the scales in favor of the Bulls.