The Chicago Bulls have displayed defensive vulnerabilities recently, with their defensive efficiency falling short of expectations in the last ten games. They've won only six of those games, losing four. Their offensive performance has been inconsistent, especially against stronger opponents, frequently falling behind at halftime. Despite some high-scoring victories against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors, they still need to improve their outside shooting and defensive coordination. In their last three games, the Bulls lost to the Timberwolves, Bucks, and Pelicans, struggling against tougher competition. Furthermore, total points data indicates that Bulls games often result in lower scores, and they tend to be at a disadvantage against teams with a faster pace. On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans' performance has been somewhat inconsistent. They have a record of five wins and five losses in their last ten games, but they have generally shown a good competitive form. The Pelicans' performance at home is particularly noteworthy, with impressive offensive and defensive coordination shown in games against the Trail Blazers and Pacers, and they've often played high-scoring games. However, they have also experienced fluctuations in form against strong opponents like the Knicks, with significant differences in scores. Notably, the Pelicans have significantly improved their defence in recent games, effectively limiting key players from opposing teams in certain matchups. The two teams have previously seen large score differences in their encounters. The Bulls lost to the Pelicans in their last game, raising concerns about their recent form. Overall, the Bulls' inconsistent outside shooting this season could affect their competitiveness in the later stages of the game, while the Pelicans, with their teamwork and defensive organization, have a better chance of gaining the upper hand. NBA 01-01 08:00 Chicago Bulls -- New Orleans Pelicans Match Direction: 245.5, Over