Bulls vs Pelicans Picks and Prediction – 10/24/2024

The Chicago Bulls visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday in both teams' opening game of the 2024-25 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls finished last season 39-43 and were 9th in the Eastern Conference. Chicago took part in the postseason Play-In Tournament. Chicago has a projected win total of 27.5 as the Bulls lost their leading scorer DeMar DeRozan, who is now playing for Sacramento. Keep up to date with all the NBA action with our NBA predictions.

Chicago signed Chris Duarte, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Smith during the off-season and also drafted Matas Buzelis. Besides losing DeRozan, the Bulls also lost Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond, and Javonte Green. Zach LaVine, Coby White, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vecevic, and Giddey will be the starting five with Lonzo Ball, Jalen Smith, and Ayo Dosunmu the first off the bench.

The New Orleans Pelicans finished last season 49-33 and were eighth in the Western Conference. The Pelicans participated in the postseason Play-In Tournament. New Orleans added Jamal Cain, Javonte Green, Daniel Thies, and Dejounte Murray during the offseason. The biggest losses for the Pelicans were Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr.

Murray was a huge addition to the already strong lineup for the Pelicans and the guard will join stars Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Herbert Jones to form the New Orleans starting five this season. Jose Alvarado, rookie Yves Missi, and Antonio Reeves will be the first three off the bench. The Pelicans will start the season without Trey Murphy III, who is out injured.

Chicago will struggle this season as the Bulls have only one proven scorer in Zach LaVine after losing DeMar DeRozan. Chicago is expected to win less than 28 games this season and will struggle from the start against a talented New Orleans lineup. The Pelicans signed Dejounte Murray during the off-season to join a very talented roster that includes Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Final Score Prediction, New Orleans Pelicans win and cover ATS 114-102.