This could be a long year for the Pelicans and new coach Willie Green. His team lost the opener to the Ben Simmons-less 76ers, and now they face off with the revamped Bulls. This is a team that is lacking in many things, and with Zion Williamson hurt, their top guy isn’t even able to spend any time on the floor helping.
It was clear just how out-matched they were in their last game. With all due respect, their starting backcourt is not going to be able to get it done for them. Devonte Graham is only good for making threes, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker is still trying to find his place in the league. They could get only 11 minutes out of Josh Hart in the last contest, as well.
As for Chicago, they defeated the Pistons in their first game. This is a team with expectations for the first time in a long time, and it is truly great to see. This is the time that Billy Donovan will take the team back to the playoffs, which never happened under the old regime. With all of the new additions and talented returners, there is nothing holding them back.
Look for this game to be interesting for three-and-a-half quarters, but have a bland finish to it.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Friday night is set at CHI -7. The over/under is 221.5 points. The CHI moneyline is -297, while the NOP moneyline is +227.
Pels Seeking First Win
The downside for the Pelicans is that they no longer have Lonzo Ball. And the haul they got in the sign-and-trade may not be ample. Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky are talented players, but they aren’t good enough to make a significant difference out there. With Zion out, they need all the help they can get.
Brandon Ingram is now by far their best guy and will need to play like it. He carried them to a lot of wins two years ago, though they were still inconsistent as a unit. And Jonas Valanciunas needs to beast it up in the middle.
Let’s see how the team looks in game two. Hopefully better.
Bulls Pine for 2-0
After beating the Pistons in a divisional battle to kick their year off, the Bulls now aim for a 2-0 record. Their new point guard Lonzo Ball is set to face the team he spent the past three seasons with, trying to help his team once again. He played well in his team debut.
The starting lineup for Chicago can stack up with various others around the league. Nikola Vucevic shined in the opener. Zach LaVine finally has some pressure off of him. And then Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan look like they will be consistent contributors.
This is a team that is coached well and aspires to do well. All the Zach LaVine rumors can be quelled if they can get a playoff berth.
Bulls Will Win
Sorry Pels, but it’s just not your day. A Chicago win gets the Bulls to 2-0.
Betting Picks:
- Bulls -7.0
- Over 221.5
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