New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec 31 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls matchup is one of nine NBA games scheduled on Thursday. This New Year's Eve showdown will be the Bulls' last chance for redemption in this season series, as the Pelicans have defeated them in two previous outings.

The Pelicans (8-26) are looking to regain some lost momentum after their five-game winning streak was snapped last week. Meanwhile, the Bulls (15-17) are aiming to get back to .500 and keep in step with other teams eyeing the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Pelicans (-106) vs Bulls (+102)

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Spread: Pelicans (-1.0) vs Bulls (+1.0)

Total: Pelicans -110 (o245.5) vs Bulls -113 (u245.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Preview

The Pelicans are currently on a four-game skid. On Tuesday, they lost 130-125 to the New York Knicks. Zion Williamson had 32 points on 11-for-16 shooting in the Pelicans' losing effort.

After pulling off a five-game winning streak, the Bulls have dropped two straight contests. On Monday, they were blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-101. Nikola Vucevic had 23 points, five rebounds, and two assists in this game.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Predicted Starting 5s

Pelicans

PG: Jeremiah Fears | SG: Trey Murphy III | SF: Saddiq Bey | PF: Zion Williamson | C: Derik Queen

Bulls

PG: Tre Jones | SG: Ayo Dosunmu | SF: Isaac Okoro | PF: Matas Buzelis | C: Nikola Vucevic

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Betting Tips

Trey Murphy's point total is set at 20.5, which is nearly identical with his season average of 20.7 points per game. Matas Buzelis' point total is set at 15.5, which is above his season average of 14.0 points per outing.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Prediction

The Pelicans are slight favorites to win this matchup against the Bulls, who will be missing the services of their backcourt stars Josh Giddey and Coby White.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado