New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/31
The New Orleans Pelicans travel to the United Center to play the Chicago Bulls. The game is set for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM and will be on CHSN. The Pelicans are looking to turn around their 8-26 record under interim head coach James Borrego.
The Chicago Bulls, led by head coach Billy Donovan, hold a 15-17 record. They are aiming to improve their standings in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have experienced recent losses, with the Bulls on a two-game losing streak and the Pelicans on a four-game losing streak.
Pelicans vs Bulls Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls
- Venue: United Center
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Betting Odds: Pelicans Spread -1.5 (-111), Bulls Spread +1.5 (-111), Pelicans MoneyLine -117, Bulls MoneyLine -103, Over/Under 245.5
New Orleans Pelicans Team Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a recent loss to the New York Knicks. Zion Williamson led the team with 32 points and shot 68.8% from the field. Saddiq Bey also contributed with 26 points and 6 rebounds in that game.
The Pelicans are scoring an average of 115.5 points per game this season. They rank high in field goal attempts but have struggled with their field goal percentage, standing at 46.3%. Their defense has been an issue, allowing 122.8 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league.
In the upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls, the Pelicans will miss Dejounte Murray due to an Achilles injury. Herbert Jones is also out with an ankle sprain, and Jose Alvarado is serving a suspension. The projected starting lineup includes Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen.
Chicago Bulls Team Preview
The Chicago Bulls have faced some tough games recently. They lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-101, despite Nikola Vučević scoring 23 points. Earlier, the Bulls fell to the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 112-103, with Josh Giddey contributing 13 points and 9 assists.
On the season, the Bulls rank 12th in points per game with 118.3. They are 2nd in possessions per game, indicating a fast-paced style. The team struggles defensively, allowing 122.4 points per game, which ranks 27th.
The Bulls have some key players out due to injuries. Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Zach Collins are among those not playing. These absences may affect the team’s performance on both ends of the court.
BTB Betting Pick
The spread for the game has the Pelicans favored by 1.5 points at -111 odds. The Pelicans have struggled defensively, allowing 122.8 points per game, which ranks 28th. The Bulls, scoring 118.3 points per game, could take advantage of this. The pick is the Bulls +1.5, as their offense might keep the game close or even secure a win.
The total for the game is set at 245.5 points. Both teams allow over 122 points per game, ranking near the bottom in points allowed. This suggests a high-scoring game. The pick is the Over 245.5, expecting both offenses to perform well against weak defenses.