Bulls vs. Pelicans Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds

After dropping to the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Chicago Bulls (15-17, 9th East) have suffered a two-game slump, miring the previous 5-0 thaw.

Beyond the record, the injury crisis has hit Chicago hard recently. After both limping off the court with injury, the Bulls announced the injury updates earlier today: Josh Giddey (left hamstring strain, will be re-evaluated in two weeks) and Coby White (right calf tightness, will be re-evaluated in one week) will be out tonight and further. Zach Collins, a crucial piece for the Bulls' bench, has suffered right toe soreness and will be assessed in 10 days.

With Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones being projected to start against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, Nikola Vucevic (16.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists) and Matas Buzelis, averaging 13.0 points over 10 games, will be determining factors on the Bulls' depleted starting lineup.

Meanwhile, the Bulls will rely on their bench depth for making through such a setback. Ranking second in the league for bench scoring, Chicago has averaged 44.8 points off the bench, which has become its strength.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the West Conference, the Pelicans (8-26, 15th West) have become a nightmare for Chicago, which won the first two matchups this season. Jeremiah Fears, the Pelicans' seventh pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a Chicago native, posted a career-high 20 points in a 114-104 win over the Bulls earlier this month.

Zion Williams (22.3) and Trey Murphy III (20.7) are leading New Orleans’ offense, while its rookie Derik Queen shepherds the team in rebounding (7.0) and assists (4.0).

Amidst difficulty, the Bulls look to bounce back and take revenge in their third Pelicans game of the season.

Location: United Center, Chicago, Ill.

Tipoff: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. CT

TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) on TB or the CHSN app | Pelicans+ app/website, Gulf Coast Sports (GCSEN), or Fox 8 (WVUE)

Radio: 670 AM (Bulls) | WWL 870 AM (Pelicans)

Spread: Chicago -1.5 (-110), New Orleans +1.5 (-110)

Favorite Moneyline: Chicago -120

Underdog Moneyline: New Orleans +100

Total: 247.5

Total Over Odds: -110

Total Under Odds: -110

Stats provided by BetMGM

Bulls:

Noa Essengue: Out For Season (Shoulder),

Emanuel Miller: Out (Hamstring),

Coby White: Out (Calf),

Zach Collins: Out (Toe),

Trentyn Flowers: Out (Knee),

Lachlan Olbrich: Out (Ankle),

Josh Giddey: Out (Hamstring)

Pelicans:

Jose Alvarado: Suspension

Dejounte Murray: Out (Leg)

Herbert Jones: Out (Ankle)

Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

New Orleans Pelicans vs. New York Knicks