The New Orleans Pelicans face the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern-Western interconference matchup on New Year’s Eve, with the Pelicans looking to snap a four-game losing streak against a Bulls team dealing with significant injuries after a recent blowout loss. Despite their poor overall record, the Pelicans have shown flashes of competitiveness in recent games, while the Bulls’ home advantage at United Center could be key in a game that might hinge on bench production and defensive stops.
Venue Location
United Center, Chicago, Illinois. This iconic 20,917-capacity arena, home to the Bulls since 1994, is known for its electric atmosphere during holiday games and features modern amenities following recent renovations.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT). The game will be broadcast on CHSN (Bulls feed), with streaming options on Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, and local networks.
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating injury challenges, with the Bulls particularly affected in the backcourt following their latest game, potentially impacting their playmaking and defense.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Jose Alvarado: Out (League Suspension)
Dejounte Murray: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Achilles; Rupture)
Herbert Jones: Questionable (Ankle)
Zion Williamson: Questionable (Injury Management)
Dickinson (unspecified): Out (per report)
The Pelicans’ backcourt is thinned without Murray, and Williamson’s status could dictate their interior scoring.
Chicago Bulls:
Zach Collins: Out (Injury/Illness – Right 1st Toe; Sprain)
Noa Essengue: Out (Injury/Illness – unspecified)
Josh Giddey: Out (Left Hamstring Strain; expected to miss at least a few weeks)
Coby White: Questionable (Departed recent game due to injury)
Larry Nance Jr.: Questionable (per prior reports)
The Bulls’ guard rotation takes a hit with Giddey sidelined and White’s status uncertain, forcing reliance on veterans like Nikola Vucevic for stability.
Key Player Matchups
This game could feature battles between emerging talents and veterans, with injuries shifting responsibilities and potentially creating mismatches.
Trey Murphy III (NOP) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI, if available) or Replacement: Murphy’s scoring lead (20.8 PPG) faces Giddey’s playmaking (20.1 PPG), but with Giddey out, the Bulls may turn to a committee, allowing Murphy to exploit perimeter gaps.
Zion Williamson (NOP, if available) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI): Williamson’s explosive drives and athleticism test Vucevic’s rebounding dominance (9.2 RPG). If Williamson sits, this shifts to a less dynamic matchup, but Vucevic remains crucial for Chicago’s interior defense.
Derik Queen (NOP) vs. Chicago’s Frontcourt: Queen’s rebounding (6.8 RPG) and assists (4.1 APG) could challenge the Bulls’ depleted lineup, especially if they struggle without key contributors.
Bench Battle: Pelicans’ Depth vs. Bulls’ Veterans: New Orleans’ reserves might capitalize on Chicago’s injuries, with players like Queen providing energy against Vucevic’s steady production.
Overall, the Pelicans’ offense (if healthy) could overwhelm Chicago’s shorthanded defense.
The Pelicans have struggled mightily this season, while the Bulls hover around .500 but have been inconsistent.
Recent Team Forms
The Pelicans have been competitive in spots but are on a skid, while the Bulls’ recent blowout loss highlights defensive vulnerabilities.
New Orleans Pelicans (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging ~110 PPG, allowing ~115 (+/- -5 margin)
Key wins: Close victories against weaker opponents, with efficient shooting around 47% FG in upsets.
Losses: Four straight, including defensive breakdowns; recent 0-1 on Dec 29.
Form: L-L-L-L-W (Alternating earlier, but current slide exposes injuries; Murphy averaging 20+ PPG lately).
Chicago Bulls (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging ~112 PPG, allowing ~118 (-6 margin recently)
Key wins: 112-103 vs. Milwaukee (Dec 27), strong home effort.
Losses: 136-101 rout by Minnesota (Dec 29), injuries to White and Giddey; allowing 130+ in defeats.
Form: L-W-L-W-L (Inconsistent, with Vucevic leading rebounds; poor road but solid home at 8-8).
Series History
The Bulls hold a slight all-time edge at 27-25 in 52 regular-season meetings, with Chicago winning 28 of 54 per some records. Recently, the Pelicans have split, but Chicago took a 112-103 win on Dec 27, 2025. In the last 5 games, the Bulls are 3-2. Matchups often feature high paint scoring, with overs hitting in recent encounters (e.g., 143+ points in prior games).
Betting Trends
Spread: Pelicans 7-3 ATS last 10; Bulls 5-5 ATS last 10.
Total Over/Under: Over in recent H2H; combined scoring high in paint-heavy games.
Other Trends: Bulls 5-0 SU in last 5 overall per some, but 8-8 ATS at home; Pelicans 5-5 SU last 10, strong ATS as underdogs but favored here due to Bulls’ injuries. Over in 4/5 Bulls games with defensive issues.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 247.5
Chicago Bulls – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
