Chicago Bulls vs Pelicans Prediction 1 January 2026
🔊 On the first day of the new year, Chicago will host a matchup between the hometown Bulls and the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams are far from the top spots in their respective conferences, sitting at 9th and 15th positions. Therefore, it's clear that the bookmakers' favoritism towards Donovan's squad is well-founded. Can the Chicago team live up to this status? Let's analyze the game and offer an insightful prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊Statistical analysis of previous official games between the teams Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans:
- played 39 matches;
- wins (including extra time): 21 for today's home team and 18 for the guests;
- the home team averages 107.85 points per match, the guests - 106.36;
- average total match points - 214.21.
The last confrontation took place on 15 December 2025 at the venue of Chicago Bulls and ended with a score of 104:114.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Chicago Bulls Team Overview
The Chicago Bulls continue to experience a rollercoaster of results, as three convincing wins have been followed by two losses. Their average scoring (118.3 points, ranked 12th) remains impressive, consistently putting up points thanks to a balanced offense. However, their glaring weakness is a porous defense, allowing 122.4 points per game (ranked 27th).
The latest team to humble Donovan's spirited squad was Minnesota (101-136). They struggled against the star power of Edwards and faltered in front of the Timberwolves' solid defense. It's worth noting that the Bulls have failed to score more than 109 points in three consecutive games, despite previously putting up 120+ against equally formidable opponents.
Match Results: Chicago Bulls
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
The New Orleans Pelicans are struggling on the road, with just one win in their last five away games, highlighting issues with their performance outside of home court. Over the last ten games, the stats look a bit more favorable, as the Western underdogs have won half of those matchups. The Pelicans rely on long-range shooting and a fast-paced offense, but their weak defense (allowing 122.8 points, ranking 28th) often leads to disappointing outcomes.
In their previous game, Murphy's squad went toe-to-toe with a strong New York Knicks team but still fell short by a narrow margin (125-130). This was yet another indication that when their star Zion is on the court, New Orleans can compete with any opponent. He scored 32 points, making 11 of 16 shots from the field. The issue is that Williamson's health is frequently a concern.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- Number of encounters - 39;
- Home team wins - 21, away team wins - 18.
- New Orleans Pelicans have lost in 18 of last 20 away games (NBA).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 107.85, for the away team - 106.36;
- average total points in H2H matches - 214.21.
Statistics: Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans
- average total in the tournament: 240.65 vs 237.92;
- average total points scored: 118.54 vs 116.18;
- average total points conceded: 122.11 vs 121.74;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 58.05 vs 57.24;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 59.95 vs 57.84;
- Chicago Bulls: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 114.26;
- New Orleans Pelicans: average total points scored away in the tournament - 110.57;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 117.8 (home - 105.83) vs 123.4 (away - 116).
- Under 241.5 points scored in last 9 Chicago Bulls home games (NBA).
⭐ Editor's Prediction
In the upcoming matchup, both teams will aim to assert dominance through their key strategies: Chicago will rely on their powerful and dynamic offense, while the Pelicans will attempt to disrupt the pace and establish control in the paint with Zion's presence. However, even such a strong asset for the Western underdog is unlikely to suffice, as their defense, much like Chicago's, leaves much to be desired. We anticipate an exciting shootout with a high-scoring affair. Our bet is on over 241.5 total points.
Betting Tips: Chicago Bulls - New Orleans Pelicans
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in 9 of last 10 home games (NBA).
Other predictions
