The New Orleans Pelicans (2-8 in last 10) visit the Chicago Bulls (2-8 in last 10) Sunday night at the United Center, with tipoff set for 7:10 p.m. ET. We’re 5-point home favorites despite both teams having identical 2-8 records in their last 10 games. This is the classic “bad team vs bad team” game where someone has to win.
Game Information
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Tipoff: 7:10 p.m. ET / 6:10 p.m. CT
Location: United Center, Chicago
League: NBA
Betting Lines and Odds
Moneyline: Pelicans +177, Bulls -206
Spread: Pelicans +5 (-107), Bulls -5 (-107)
Total: 244 points (Over -108 / Under -108)
Bulls Equally Terrible as Pelicans
Chicago sits at 2-8 in the last 10 games with a 1-game winning streak after finally snapping a massive losing streak. We’re 2-8 against the spread with a 1-game ATS winning streak – we’ve been horrible covering spreads.
Bulls games have leaned toward unders (4 overs, 6 unders) with our most recent game going over. Our offense has been inconsistent at best.
Pelicans Just as Bad (But Covering Spreads)
New Orleans enters at 2-8 in their last 10 games with a 1-game winning streak. Here’s the concerning part – they’re 7-3 ATS with a 2-game ATS winning streak. They’re losing games but covering spreads consistently.
Pelicans games have heavily favored overs (7 overs, 3 unders) with 2 straight overs suggesting recent high-scoring affairs despite their losses.
Why Are We 5-Point Favorites?
Both teams are 2-8 in their last 10. We’re both on 1-game winning streaks after long losing skids. Yet we’re laying 5 points at home as if we’re clearly superior.
Home Court Is Our Only Edge
The United Center is literally the only reason we’re favored. We’re not playing better basketball than New Orleans – we just happen to be at home.
Pelicans’ ATS Success Is Alarming
New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 while we’re 2-8 ATS. They’re keeping games closer than expected and covering spreads, while we’re failing to cover even when getting points.
This Screams Trap Game
Two equally terrible teams, one favored by 5 at home despite having identical records. Everything about this suggests the Pelicans cover and possibly win outright.
Both Teams Are Disasters
Let’s be honest about what we’re watching Sunday night – two of the NBA’s worst teams playing meaningless basketball in December.
Our Season Is Over
We’re 2-8 in our last 10 games. The playoff hopes are dead. We’re playing out the string and trying to develop young players while losing most nights.
Pelicans Equally Lost
New Orleans is 2-8 in their last 10 but at least they’re covering spreads (7-3 ATS). They’re losing games but staying competitive, which is more than we can say.
High Scoring Expected
The 244-point total is massive, and New Orleans games have gone over in 7 of 10. Both teams struggle defensively, setting up a potential track meet.
Betting Analysis
The Spread
Bulls -5 feels like a trap. We’re 2-8 ATS while New Orleans is 7-3 ATS. They cover spreads, we don’t. Even at home, laying 5 points feels dangerous.
The Moneyline
Bulls -206 is expensive for a team that’s 2-8 in their last 10. Pelicans +177 offers value for a team that keeps games close and covers spreads.
The Total
Over 244 aligns with New Orleans’ trend (7 overs in 10 games with 2 straight overs). Both defenses struggle, suggesting points will be scored.
Bulls’ Path to Covering
For us to win and actually cover the 5-point spread, we need:
Jump on them early – Build double-digit lead before they settle in
Force turnovers – Create transition opportunities with steals
Shoot well from three – Need to hit outside shots to build cushion
Don’t let them cover – New Orleans keeps games close; we must pull away
Bulls Fan Perspective
This is rock bottom playing rock bottom. We’re 2-8 in our last 10, they’re 2-8 in their last 10. Someone has to win this game, and we’re supposedly that someone because we’re at home.
The concerning part? New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 while we’re 2-8 ATS. They consistently keep games closer than expected and cover spreads. We consistently fail to cover even generous spreads.
Laying 5 points at home against a team with identical record feels wrong. Yes, we’re at the United Center. Yes, home court matters. But we’re not good enough to be laying 5 points to anyone right now.
The 244-point total suggests oddsmakers expect a high-scoring game with minimal defense. New Orleans games have gone over in 7 of 10, so that tracks with their tendency.
Sunday night at home against another terrible team – this is where our season exists now. Win and move to 3-8 in last 10, or lose and fall to 2-9. Either way, we’re a bad basketball team.
Game Prediction
Projected Score: Pelicans 128, Bulls 124
New Orleans pulls off the road upset, extending their ATS winning streak to 3 games while ending ours at 1 game. They keep it close throughout and make plays down the stretch to steal a road win.
The game goes over 244 points as both defenses struggle and the pace stays high throughout a sloppy, ugly affair.
Best Bets:
Pelicans +5 (most confident) – They’re 7-3 ATS for a reason
Pelicans ML +177 (value play) – Real upset potential
Over 244 (solid lean) – Neither team can defend
For Bulls fans, this represents continued mediocrity. Two equally terrible teams playing a meaningless game in December – welcome to the 2025 Bulls season.
See Red (but expect more disappointment)…
The post Pelicans vs Bulls Preview & Prediction Game Today December 14: Two 2-8 Teams Battle at United Center appeared first on UrbanMatter.
