The Chicago Bulls look to capitalize on one of the best matchups on the board when they visit the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, November 24. The Bulls enter as 5-5.5 point favorites with an 8-7 record. Meanwhile, the Pelicans sit at just 2-15, fresh off a nine-game losing streak. This is exactly the kind of road spot savvy bettors love.
🔥 Quick Facts:
Chicago is 5-5.5 point road favorites against struggling New Orleans.
Pelicans rank 27th defensively and 28th offensively this season.
Bulls hold a 27-23 all-time advantage in head-to-head matchups.
New Orleans is 1-8 at home this season and averaging just 108.6 points per game.
Zion Williamson recently returned from a hamstring strain for the Pelicans.
Pelicans’ Defensive Nightmare Creates Prime Opportunity
New Orleans is in complete disarray right now. The Pelicans’ defense ranks 27th with a 119.9 defensive rating, and their offense is even worse at 28th. That’s a recipe for disaster against a hungry road team like the Bulls.
The Pelicans lost their ninth straight game to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, getting held to just 46 first-half points. This team can’t score and can’t stop anybody. Chicago figures to have an absolute field day.
What makes this worse? New Orleans is just 1-8 on their home court. The Superdome usually provides an energy boost for teams, but not this season. The Pelicans lack rhythm, consistency, and defensive cohesion. The Bulls should expect to find open looks frequently.
Why Chicago’s Road Advantage Stands Out Here
The Bulls have quietly put together a solid 8-7 start. More importantly, they’re getting valuable road experience. When teams play against the league’s worst defenses, it’s an opportunity to build confidence and rhythm.
Chicago’s advantage here goes deeper than just matchup favorability. The Bulls rank 27th defensively, but against an offense as broken as New Orleans, that hardly matters. The Pelicans average just 108.6 points per game. Plus, Chicago makes 14.5 three-pointers per game (7th in the league) at 37.7%. The Pelicans rank 29th and 25th in those same categories.
The betting line reflects this reality perfectly. A 5-5.5 point spread doesn’t feel generous—it actually undervalues Chicago‘s edge. Road teams getting points against one of the NBA’s worst teams don’t come around often.
Head-to-Head History Favors the Bulls
Matchup Detail
Record/Info
All-Time Series
Bulls lead 27-23
Chicago Record
8-7 (current season)
New Orleans Record
2-15 (losing 9 straight)
Pelicans Home Record
1-8
Defensive Rankings
Bulls 27th | Pelicans 27th
Offensive Rankings
Bulls Better | Pelicans 28th
Chicago holds a distinct advantage in this series, leading all-time 27-23. History suggests the Bulls know how to impose their will on New Orleans. Combined with the Pelicans’ current dysfunction, this becomes an even more lopsided proposition.
The Pelicans haven’t shown any signs of life. They’re not just losing—they’re losing convincingly. Atlanta dominated them entirely. When a team lacks both offensive creativity and defensive discipline, road opponents thrive.
Three Key Factors That Could Swing This Game
New Orleans’ Three-Point Defense: The Pelicans are 25th in three-point defense. Chicago can pour in 14.5 threes per game—this mismatch is critical.
Zion’s Conditioning: Williamson recently returned from a hamstring injury. If he’s limited, the Pelicans lose their best player for defensive intensity.
Road Confidence: Chicago gets a chance to prove it can handle weaker opponents decisively. That matters for playoff positioning later.
Should Bettors Expect the Bull to Cover?
All signs point to Chicago cruising here. The Pelicans are falling apart fast. An 0-9 stretch tells you everything about their mental state and execution level.
The Bulls haven’t been perfect this season, but they’re functional on both ends. Against a team ranked 28th in offense averaging 108.6 points, they should win easily. The 5-5.5 point spread might actually be laying too little.
Watch this game for insights on how Chicago responds to cupcake matchups. Professional teams take advantage. The Pelicans are offering one right now—a chance for the Bulls to restore confidence with a dominant road win.
Sources
Sports Illustrated – Bulls vs. Pelicans prediction and odds analysis
FOX Sports – NBA defensive rating rankings for 2025-26 season
Land of Basketball – All-time Bulls vs. Pelicans head-to-head record
NBA.com – Official team statistics and power rankings
Yahoo Sports – Pelicans home court performance breakdown
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.