Bulls – Pelicans

The Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Pelicans will both try to claim a second win in two nights, as they square off at the United Center.

A fair case can be made that the Bulls (2-5, 1-3 home) are the worst team in the NBA this season talent-wise, so their 2-5 start is actually almost a pleasant surprise. However, there was nothing pleasant about the play of the Bulls this season. They managed to win a couple of games against mediocre opponents which happened to have horrible nights (as was the case last night with Orlando), and lost the other 5 without putting up much of a fight.

The Pelicans (4-5, 3-2 away) are coming after a solid 5 point win in Dallas last night, a match which they controlled from start to finish and which they would have won by 10+ points if not for some garbage time heroics from Dallas. New Orleans was hoping for a better start this season, as they are trying to make the playoffs, but another win tonight will definitely put them back on track.

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Team news: Both teams have their share of long term injuries, but nothing new. The Bulls miss Mirotic, Payne, LaVine and Portis, while the Pelicans miss Rondo, Hill, Asik, Jackson and Ajinca.

Listen, the Bulls put in a very good effort to win by 22 last night in Orlando against an in form Magic side, playing very good defense at times. However, Orlando couldn`t make a shot to save their lives and they also missed their first and second option at the point guard position, having to use improvisations – so the Bulls were definitely very fortunate.

The Pelicans are back to back on the road and that`s why they are only a 6 point spread favorite against a vastly inferior team. However, Chicago is back to back as well, and even if they play at home, they actually had to travel 250 more miles than New Orleans last night. As such, I don`t expect the back to back on the road to pose any problems for the Pelicans, especially so early in the season, when legs are still fresh.

This Pelicans team might not be as good as projected, and it`s still questionable if the Cousins – Davis frontcourt partnership will pay off, but they are definitely a class above these Chicago Bulls. They are fully focused to claim their second win in two days, as a loss in Chicago would be devastating for their playoff hopes, even if it`s early in the season.

Look for a solid performance from the visitors, while Chicago may well have an off night. A low quality team like the Bulls is highly unlikely to play top basketball twice in two nights, especially after a very long travel back home, so that will definitely work in the Pelicans’ favor.

I`m going to back New Orleans to cover the 6 point (asian) handicap. The fact that they almost blew a late 15 point lead last night against the Mavs should make them be more careful in potential garbage time. Prediction: Chicago Bulls – New Orleans Pelicans 94 – 111.

Pick: Pelicans -6
Odds: 1.96 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.68
Event date: 4 November