Bulls vs Pelicans prediction NBA · Sunday, April 11
At a glance
The New Orleans Pelicans (0-4) host the Chicago Bulls (1-4) on Sunday, April 11 at 6:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center in NBA action. The Basketlog model gives the Pelicans a 66% chance to win and projects a 115-121 score (Bulls – Pelicans), about 236 total points. This season, the Pelicans are 0-2 at home and the Bulls are 1-2 on the road. Since the start of the season: 0-4 for the Pelicans and 1-4 for the Bulls (current streaks: Pelicans L4, Bulls L3). A close game (margin of 5 points or fewer) happens in only 29% of cases according to the model. Reported injuries: Patrick Williams (Bulls), Nic Claxton (Bulls), Dejounte Murray (Pelicans), Jordan Poole (Pelicans) and Yves Missi (Pelicans). Prediction confidence: medium.
The analysis Model
The Pelicans are favored, but the gap isn't huge. The model projects Pelicans 121 – 115 Bulls, a margin of about 5.2 points in favor of the Pelicans and a total around 236 points. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game. The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray or Jordan Poole (and 1 other). The Bulls will be without Patrick Williams or Nic Claxton. Early season: the numbers still lean heavily on last season, so confidence stays cautious.
- The Bulls need to win the pace battle to stay in the game.
- The Pelicans' defense allows clearly fewer points (120.5 pts/game).
What tips the balance
Scenarios
Stat comparison Current season
CHINO
Players to watch
Bulls
Norman PowellG · #2421.6pts / game
Josh GiddeyG · #38.0assists
Jalen SmithF · #258.2reboundsPelicans
Zion WilliamsonF · #121.8pts / game
Dejounte MurrayG · #56.0assists
Derik QueenC · #229.2reboundsRecent form
CHI
135-92W
132-125L
124-120L
134-99L
133-127NO107-106L
123-120L
120-119L
141-135 OTL104-91
NO
Second opinion
Our model compared with ESPN's public model (BPI). When they agree, the prediction is more solid.
✓ Both models pick the same favorite.
Team comparison
| CHI | NO | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Record | 0-4 |
| 115.6 | Points scored / game | 115.7 |
| 124.1 | Points allowed / game | 120.5 |
| -7.2 | Adjusted margin / game | -4.1 |
| L3 | Current streak | L4 |
| 1-4 | Last 10 games | 0-4 |
| 1-2 road | Home / road record | 0-2 home |
| 31-51 (-5.2) | Last season | 26-56 (-4.5) |
| No | Played yesterday | No |
Injury report Bulls
Injury report Pelicans
Probabilities estimated by the Basketlog model from available public data; early in the season they rely heavily on last season. They are neither a certainty nor betting advice.