The Chicago Bulls finally snapped their seven-game losing streak with a gritty comeback win over the Charlotte Hornets - a much-needed sigh of relief for a team that’s been searching for answers. Now, they’re looking to build on that momentum as they host a New Orleans Pelicans squad fresh off a dominant 143-120 win over Portland, which ended their own seven-game slide.
It’s a matchup between two teams that have been through the wringer lately, but both are showing signs of life. For the Bulls, a win over this 4-22 Pelicans team wouldn’t just be another notch in the W column - it’d be a statement that they’re turning the corner.
For New Orleans, the focus is a little more complicated. Yes, stacking wins would be great for the locker room.
But let’s be honest: another loss doesn’t hurt when you’re this deep in the lottery race.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Chicago’s last meeting with the Pelicans - a 143-130 loss on November 24 - was the game that triggered their recent freefall. That night, the Bulls were overwhelmed in the paint, giving up a staggering 78 points inside and allowing 19 offensive rebounds that led to 30 second-chance points. It was a physical mismatch, plain and simple.
Granted, the Bulls were missing key pieces in that one. Nikola Vucevic and Zach Collins were both out, which left Chicago thin in the frontcourt.
Collins is expected back tonight, and while Vucevic remains sidelined, the Bulls are healthier overall than they were three weeks ago. That alone gives them a better shot at redemption.
Pelicans Leaning on Youth and Depth
New Orleans, despite the record, has some intriguing pieces stepping up. Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have brought energy and production, helping the Pelicans stay competitive even as the losses piled up. Queen is coming off a strong performance against Portland, dropping 17 points and dishing seven assists, while Fears and Trey Murphy III continue to hold down starting roles.
Murphy, in particular, has been a bright spot - and yes, Bulls fans can dream about what he’d look like in red and black. Off the bench, Jordan Poole chipped in 22 points in the win over the Blazers, giving New Orleans a needed scoring punch in the second unit.
Zion Watch and Trade Rumors Linger
Zion Williamson’s status remains up in the air heading into tonight’s game in Chicago. He’s listed as questionable, and that’s become something of a recurring theme.
Until he can string together a consistent stretch of games, his name will continue to pop up in trade chatter - fair or not. Add in the fact that both Murphy III and Herbert Jones have been linked to potential deals, and the Pelicans are a team to watch as the trade deadline creeps closer.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Here’s the full injury report heading into tonight’s matchup:
Chicago Bulls:
- Doubtful: Ayo Dosunmu (thumb)
- Questionable: Kevin Huerter (adductor)
- Probable: Dalen Terry (hand), Coby White (calf)
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Out: Dejounte Murray (Achilles)
Final Word
This game might not jump off the schedule as a marquee matchup, but it matters. The Bulls are trying to claw their way back to relevance, and a win over a struggling Pelicans team would help keep the good vibes going. For New Orleans, it’s about development, evaluation, and maybe - just maybe - building a little momentum of their own.
Two teams, two different directions, and one more chance to shift the narrative. Let’s see who grabs it.