The New Orleans Pelicans will get things started tonight in a preseason matchup on the road against the Chicago Bulls.
Both teams hope to make deep playoff runs this season, with the Pels getting a boost from Zion Williamson’s return and the Bulls hoping they can overcome the early-season loss of Lonzo Ball, who recently had surgery.
It’s only the first game of preseason, so the regulars won’t play for long, but we’ll get an early look at possible rotations and which players have a leg up for minutes early in the season.
Here is everything you need to know about the Pels’ preseason matchup with the Bulls.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls: Odds, Spread, Over/Under
According to FanDuel, the Pelicans are 2.5 point underdogs on the road against the Bulls. The money lines are set at +116 for New Orleans and -142 for Chicago. If you are into betting on preseason (get help), these are great odds for the Pels, who have the deeper roster and more guys trying to show out for minutes.
There isn’t a points total or over/under for this game.
Pelicans injury report
Kira Lewis Jr. has not yet been cleared for 5-on-5 activity, so it’s doubtful we’ll see him at all in preseason. Both CJ McCollum (ankle) and Brandon Ingram (finger/toe) are listed as questionable for tonight’s game but neither injury is thought to be serious. It’s very possible we won’t get our first look at the full roster if the Pels are trying to be cautious.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls: Prediction
Predicting preseason is pretty much impossible, as you never know who is going to play or for how long.
But I do like the Pelicans to win this one, as their camp was very competitive, and there are plenty of guys still trying to earn roles and minutes, especially at the back end of the rotation and for two-way contracts.
The benches are likely to play most of the game, and the Pels are deeper, so I like them to get their first win of ht season.
Pelicans 115, Bulls 100
How to watch Pelicans vs Bulls
New Orleans will start the preseason on national TV, so you can watch on TNT at 8:30 PM CT.
How to stream Pelicans vs Bulls
You can get a free trial on FUBO.TV if you want to stream the game, or you can watch it on League Pass if you are outside of the Pelicans’ market.