Prediction published on 12/31/25, 2:56 PM
by
Paul Tamayo
in
NBA Picks
The New Orleans Pelicans (8-26) visit the Chicago Bulls (15-17) in an NBA 2025-26 game on Wednesday, December 31, at the United Center.
The Bulls try to steady themselves at home on New Year’s Eve after a rough two-game skid. They’re coming off a 136-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game where they let their opponents score at least 40 points in each of the two final quarters.
Chicago also let Minnesota shoot 53% from the floor, an evidence of their horrible defense this season. They’re currently ranked 24th in the league in defensive rating (118.5), something that’s been hindering their progrrrrress.
The bigger concern is availability: Chicago lost its top two scorers in that Timberwolves game when Coby White and Josh Giddey went down with injuries. Both White and Giddey are not available for Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans.
As for the Pelicans, they enter this game trying to halt a four-game slide. They’re coming off a 130-125 loss to the New York Knicks, even with Pelicans star Zion Williamson erupting for a season-high 32 points in defeat.
Still, New Orleans has already beaten Chicago twice, including a 143-130 win in New Orleans on November 24 and a 114-104 win in Chicago on December 14, so the Pelicans lead the season series 2-0.