Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Point Spread Picks

If it weren't for a one-point victory against the 3-20 Wizards, the Bulls would be 0-5 in their last five home games. They don't play good defense, ranking 27th, and have been terrible when favored, going 1-10 ATS in that role the past 11 times. The combination of the Bulls being bad defensively and when laying points makes the Pelicans an attractive underdog. New Orleans received a much-needed confidence boost, destroying Portland, 143-120, as a 4-point home underdog in its last game three days ago. New Orleans made 51.8% of its field goals. The Pelicans could resume their hot shooting, as the Bulls rank 21st in defensive field-goal percentage. The Pelicans also shot 51% from the field when they beat the Bulls, 143-130, as 5-point home underdogs on Nov. 25. Injuries to Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter have hurt Chicago's depth. Take the Pelicans.

The Bulls have followed a five-game losing streak with three wins in their last four games. Included among the victories is a shocking 130-127 road win against the Nuggets, when Chicago was playing without rest. That is not achievable unless there is talent on the roster. The Bulls have that talent. Josh Giddey is close to averaging a double-double. Coby white has added to this talent level, averaging 24 points and seven assists a game after missing the first 11 games of the season. The Pelicans are in free fall, losing nine consecutive games. They are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 2-15 record and have already made a coaching change. The Bulls, though, will not take them lightly after escaping with a 121-120 victory against the 1-15 Wizards. Take the Bulls. 

New Orleans is 8-32 overall, and on the road they are 3-16 SU and 6-13 ATS. They have no business being favored over any team on the road — and I say "favored" because the standard spread for any home court team in the NBA is three points. With this line, the oddsmaker is essentially saying that the Pels would be favored if this game was played on a neutral court. New Orleans has -9 scoring margin on the season, and that sinks to -13.6 PPG on the road. The Bulls are shooting 50% in their past five games, and outscoring opponents by 5.8 PPG. They should be able to put one in the win column here. Make the play on Chicago.