The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, December 31, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at United Center. New Orleans enters at 8-26, while Chicago sits at 15-17 as both teams look to stop recent losing streaks.
The Pelicans have dropped four straight games, including losses to New York and Phoenix over the past week. Chicago has also struggled, falling in back-to-back contests against Minnesota and Milwaukee.
New Orleans will be significantly shorthanded, with Jose Alvarado sidelined due to a league suspension and Herbert Jones out with a right ankle sprain. Dejounte Murray remains unavailable following a right Achilles rupture.
Despite the injuries, Trey Murphy III continues to anchor the offense, averaging 20.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Zion Williamson has appeared in only 18 games but is producing 22.3 points on 54.8 percent shooting, giving the Pelicans a reliable interior scoring option when available.
Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole have taken on larger offensive roles, combining for over 31 points per game. Derik Queen adds frontcourt stability with 13.3 points and 7.0 rebounds, while Yves Missi provides rim protection off the bench.
Chicago’s injury report is extensive, headlined by Coby White being out with right calf tightness. Josh Giddey is also unavailable due to left hamstring tightness, leaving the Bulls without two of their top three scorers.
Zach Collins is sidelined with a right first toe sprain, while Noa Essengue, Trentyn Flowers, Emanuel Miller, and Lachlan Olbrich are also out.
Nikola Vucevic becomes the focal point offensively, averaging 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds while spacing the floor with 37.8 percent shooting from three. Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu are expected to see expanded roles, with Buzelis contributing 14.0 points and 1.4 blocks per game.
