Betting tips from AI for Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans, 01 January 2026.

Chicago's home floor and New Orleans' brutal road form tilt this one toward the Bulls. The Pelicans arrive 8-25 with 18 losses in their last 20 road games and key absences — Jose Alvarado out and Herbert Jones/Bryce McGowens doubtful — while Zion still produces 22/6/4 but can't mask defensive collapse.

Chicago has offensive firepower (hovering 118+) and enough scorers to exploit New Orleans' leaks; they're listed at 1.98 while the Pelicans are at 1.86. Given the Pelicans' travel skid, injuries, and Chicago's home bounce, backing the Bulls offers the best value here.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a dire situation, mired in an 8-25 record and a brutal five-game skid. Their road performance is particularly concerning, with 18 losses in their last 20 away games. While Zion Williamson is a force, his individual brilliance isn't translating into team wins, especially with key players like Jose Alvarado out and Herbert Jones questionable.

In contrast, the Chicago Bulls, despite their own rollercoaster season at 15-16, have an offense that's "humming at 118+ points." FOX Sports even forecasts a tight Bulls win, 122-117, highlighting their strength when scoring over 122. Although both teams have leaky defenses, the Pelicans' abysmal road form and injury woes make the Bulls, at home, the more compelling pick. The odds of Chicago Bulls at 1.98 offer excellent value against a struggling Pelicans squad listed at 1.86.

The Bulls-Pelicans matchup presents a clear betting opportunity favoring Chicago. The Pelicans are in free fall, winning just 8 of 33 games and losing 18 of their last 20 road contests. Their defensive struggles make them vulnerable against a Bulls offense averaging 118+ points per game.

Chicago's 1.98 odds offer slightly better value than New Orleans at 1.86, especially considering the Pelicans' five-game losing streak. The Bulls' home-court advantage at United Center should prove decisive against a depleted Pelicans squad missing Jose Alvarado and potentially Herbert Jones.

While both defenses leak points (Bulls allowing 122 per game), Chicago's offensive firepower should overwhelm New Orleans. FOX Sports' prediction of a 122-117 Bulls victory aligns with betting trends, as Chicago thrives when scoring above 122 points. Zion Williamson's 22 points per game won't be enough to overcome the Pelicans' road woes and defensive lapses in this high-scoring affair.

The United Center is set to host a thrilling NBA clash on New Year's Day, pitting the rollercoaster Chicago Bulls against a sinking New Orleans Pelicans squad. With the Pelicans wallowing at 8-25 and dropping 18 of their last 20 road games amid a brutal five-game skid, they're in dire straits. Zion Williamson's heroics—averaging 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists—keep them afloat, but defensive lapses and injuries to Jose Alvarado, with question marks on Herbert Jones and Bryce McGowens, spell trouble away from home.

Meanwhile, the Bulls sit at 15-16, blending blowout wins with recent stumbles, but their offense is firing on all cylinders at 118+ points per game. FOX Sports nails it with a predicted 122-117 Bulls victory, highlighting Chicago's edge when they eclipse 122 points, while New Orleans struggles to match the pace. Both teams' leaky defenses could lead to fireworks, as Scores24 forecasts over 241.5 total points, but the home team's momentum tips the scales.

Given the odds—Bulls at 1.98 and Pelicans at 1.86—the slight value leans Chicago's way in this tight affair. Their home-court energy and offensive hum should overpower the Pelicans' road misery for a gritty win.

The Chicago Bulls welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the United Center for what promises to be an offensive showcase. Editors at Scores24 anticipate a high-octane shootout over 241.5 total points, with both teams' leaky defenses setting the stage. FOX Sports forecasts a tight 1.98 Bulls victory, 122-117, noting Chicago's prowess when topping 122 points.
New Orleans is mired in misery, dropping 18 of their last 20 road games amid a brutal five-game skid, and injury concerns like Herbert Jones add to their woes. Zion Williamson shines with 22 points per game, but the Pelicans' defensive lapses persist.
The Bulls ride a rollercoaster at 15-16, with their offense humming at 118+ points nightly. Despite defensive issues, their home edge and the Pelicans' road struggles make Chicago the value pick at 1.86 odds for New Orleans.

This matchup between the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans carries a fascinating blend of opportunity and risk, with both teams navigating turbulent waters. The Pelicans, reeling from a dismal 8-25 record and an alarming 18 losses in their last 20 road games, face a daunting challenge at the United Center. Their struggles are compounded by injuries to key players like Jose Alvarado and potential absences of Herbert Jones and Bryce McGowens. Even Zion Williamson’s consistent output of 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game hasn’t been enough to lift them out of their rut, especially on the road where defensive breakdowns have plagued them.

On the flip side, the Bulls sit at 15-16 but bring a high-powered offense averaging over 118 points per game. While their defense has been porous, allowing 122 points nightly, FOX Sports’ projection of a tight 122-117 win feels plausible given their home-court dynamics. The absence of Zach Collins and Noa Essengue hurts depth, yet if Josh Giddey and Coby White can play through their injuries, Chicago gains a significant edge in firepower and experience.

Bookmakers have set close odds, with the Bulls listed at 1.98 and the Pelicans slightly less favored at 1.86. These numbers suggest a competitive tilt, but the weight of recent form leans heavily toward Chicago. With New Orleans struggling defensively and unable to string together wins, backing the Bulls seems prudent despite their inconsistencies. This bet hinges not just on talent but also situational factors favoring the home team.

Ultimately, the Bulls' offensive rhythm and superior record at home should outweigh the Pelicans’ sporadic flashes of brilliance. Expect Chicago to capitalize on mismatches and secure a narrow victory.