NBA Picks: Bulls vs. Pelicans 3/24/22

Chicago Bulls (42-30 SU, 38-33-1 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (30-42 SU, 36-35-1 ATS)

When: Thursday March 24 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

TV: NBCSCH

Point Spread: CHI -1/NOP +1 (Opened CHI -1 at Bovada – Home of the best live wagering platform on the web!)

Total: 228.5 (Opened at 228.5)

Money Line: Chicago -114/New Orleans -107

Power Rating: CHI -2

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls PG Alex Caruso, SG Zach LaVine P, SF Javonte Green Off Inj, PF DeMar DeRozan Q, C Nikola Vucevic

New Orleans Pelicans PG Devonte’ Graham, SG C.J. McCollum, SF Herb Jones, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine: Knee (PROBABLE)
DeMar DeRozan: Thigh (QUESTIONABLE)
Lonzo Ball: Knee (OUT)

New Orleans Pelicans
Larry Nance Jr.: Knee (PROBABLE)
Brandon Ingram: Hamstring (OUT)
Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT)
Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

The New Orleans Pelicans host the Chicago Bulls in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Smoothie King Center.

Recent Form

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 42-30, placing them 5th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Chicago has struggled in their 36 road contests, sitting at 16-20. Over the Bulls’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 105.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for Chicago’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.2. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, the team fell to Milwaukee by a score of 126-98.

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 30-42, placing them 10nd in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 36 home contests, sitting at 16-20. The Pelicans have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 118.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 108.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 113.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 109.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 109.9. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, the team fell to Charlotte by a score of 106-103.

Individual Player Analysis

As Chicago travels to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Bulls’ leading scorer is DeMar DeRozan. Through 67 games, DeRozan is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 52.0% of his games. Against the Pelicans, DeRozan will need to be on top of his game as New Orleans is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 46.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 26 points across his 17 games. Throughout the season, McCollum has outscored his season average in 47.0% of his outings. Given that Chicago’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, CJ McCollum should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Bulls have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 55.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 25th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Bulls come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 110.1 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Chicago is winning at a rate of 50%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 9.0 points. On the other side, the Pelicans hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 13 games as the better defensive team, picking up 7 wins (54%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans have met up for 1 game. Chicago took game one by a score of 128-112.

How the Public is Betting the Bulls vs Pelicans

67% are betting the Bulls against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 228.5

More Picks: Indiana vs. Memphis Pick & Predictions 3/24/22 >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
• Bulls are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games as a favorite.
• Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the 5th seeded Chicago Bulls look to get back on track vs. a Pelicans squad, ranked 10th in the West. Given that the Bulls have just 3 wins over their last 10 games, they are now just 2 games ahead of the Raptors for the 7th seed. Throughout the year, Chicago’s calling card is that they are able to beat below-average team’s but struggle vs the league’s elite. With the Bulls sitting as just 1 point favorites, look for them to cover the spread on the road. Bankroll running low? Don’t re-deposit at your bookie and get NOTHING! Consider taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook! (Must use bonus code PREDICT100).