The New Orleans Pelicans (4-6) look to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they take on the Chicago Bulls (3-8) at Smoothie King Center. The game will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 230.5 points with New Orleans set as a 10.5-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
The Bulls come in on a high note after barely hanging on to beat the New York Knicks in their last contest, 116-115, as 2.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (231) were well over the projected point total of 213. Chicago held the Knicks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.420 (below their season average of 0.496). New York, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.2 (above their season average of 24.9). Chicago was led by Zach LaVine, who was the game’s high scorer with 41 points on 13-for-25 shooting.
The last time the Pelicans played, they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-116. They were unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (238) came in just over the O/U total of 235.5. Oklahoma City’s 10.1 turnover percentage was the team’s biggest advantage over New Orleans, who had a mark of 17.1. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 11.7, while the Pelicans’ was above their season average of 12.0. With 22 points and 14 assists, New Orleans’ Jrue Holiday had a solid performance.
After the Pelicans won both matchups against the Bulls last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, New Orleans won 132-128. The Pelicans’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Bulls. New Orleans had a rate of 9.5, while Chicago posted a mark of 18.3.
Although Chicago has difficulty winning games straight up (3-8 SU), they have an excellent record against the spread (7-4). Of the Bulls’ 11 games, six have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 4-6 SU and 4-6 ATS. Games involving the Pelicans tend to go over the projected point total (60.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Wendell Carter Jr. (15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.6 steals) has been stellar for the Bulls while Holiday (21.6 points, 8.4 assists and 1.4 steals) has made great contributions to the Pelicans.
New Orleans figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Pelicans currently rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while Chicago ranks 24th in defensive efficiency.
Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 2-3 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 2 unders.
At home, New Orleans is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
Chicago is 1-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points.
The Bulls are 2-7 when they reach the century mark, while the Pelicans are 4-5.
New Orleans ranks ninth in second chance points per game (14.7) while Chicago ranks 27th (9.4).
The Bulls rank eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.9) while the Pelicans rank 25th (53.4).
New Orleans averages 26.2 assists per game, which ranks third in the league. Chicago ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
The Pelicans rank 11th in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Bulls rank 26th (41.8).
New Orleans ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (31.7) while Chicago ranks 25th (35.9).
The Pelicans rank 16th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Bulls rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (6.7).
New Orleans ranks 19th in points off turnovers per game (15.7) while Chicago ranks 26th (14.3).
The Pelicans average 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Bulls rank 20th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Chicago averages 11.5 fast break points per game, which ranks 22nd in the league. New Orleans ranks 24th in fast break points allowed per game (16.4).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five contests, Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.0, matching their season average.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 112.4 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 122.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
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