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The Chicago Bulls will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bulls-Pelicans prediction and pick.
These teams have had vastly different seasons. The Bulls have surpassed all expectations set for them, earning a 42-30 record and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Star guards DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been fantastic, leading the Bulls to one of the best offensive units in the NBA. The Pelicans, on the other hand, haven't had nearly as much success. New Orleans started the season as one of the worst teams in the league, but they've steadily improved to a 30-42 record. A midseason trade for guard CJ McCollum has been paying huge dividends for the Pelicans as they try to push their way into the ninth seed in the Western Conference. A win here would tie them for that spot, so this game has plenty of meaning.
Here are the Bulls-Pelicans NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Bulls-Pelicans Odds
Chicago Bulls: +2.5 (-108)
New Orleans Pelicans: -2.5 (-112)
Over: 224 (-110)
Under: 224 (-110)
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Why The Bulls Could Cover The Spread
Chicago's offense will surely be impacted by the absence of DeMar DeRozan on Thursday. The Bulls have been fantastic offensively, scoring nearly 112 points per game on 48% shooting from the field, and despite DeRozan's absence, should still have enough firepower to put up a big-scoring outing. Billy Donovan's team is shooting 37% from 3-point range, among the best in the league, and they'll look to use that strength to exploit the weak perimeter defense of the Pelicans. Pelicans' opponents have shot 54% from inside the arc this year while shooting 36% from deep. Those are two of the worst defensive numbers in the NBA, so even without DeRozan, Chicago shouldn't struggle to score.
The Pelicans will also be without star forward Brandon Ingram for the game, which also bodes well for the Bulls' chances of covering the spread. Ingram has been battling a hamstring injury since March 6 and will be sidelined again on Thursday.
Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread
There's something to be said for momentum in basketball, and the Pelicans definitely have the advantage in that category. The Bulls have lost four of their last five games, including an embarrassing defeat against the Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans have won three of their last five contests, and now they get to face the struggling Bulls at home. The Bulls have been absolutely horrendous against the spread when playing on the road, earning a 14-21-1 record away from home. Chicago is also 5-14 ATS as road underdogs. While there is a clear talent gap between these teams, the Bulls' history in games like this one has to be taken into account.
It's also a massive boost that DeRozan won't be playing in this matchup because of an adductor strain. DeRozan, much like Ingram, leads his team in points and assists per game, so his absence will represent a huge loss for Chicago. The Bulls also rely on DeRozan to take over late in games, as he's become one of the most clutch players in the entire league.
Final Bulls-Pelicans Prediction & Pick
It's impossible to stay away from Chicago here. The Bulls haven't been good in games like this, but they're playing a bad New Orleans team that will be without its leading scorer. Even without DeRozan, Chicago should win this game outright.
Final Bulls-Pelicans Pick: Chicago Bulls: +2.5 (-108)
