Keys to Chicago Bulls’ road game vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Bulls look to end their two-game losing streak on the road against the Pelicans

Coming off a 126-103 home loss against the Nuggets on Sunday, the Chicago Bulls (6-8) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (8-6) tonight, as they look to end the two-game losing streak.

Chicago Bulls (6-8) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8-6)

Wednesday, November 16 – 08:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center

Chicago Bulls

• Points Per Game: 110.8 (19th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 110.9 (11th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 33.4 (19th of 30)
• Pace: 100.2 (12th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 110.6 (21st of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 110.7 (8th of 30)
• Net Rating: -0.1 (19th of 30)

New Orleans Pelicans

• Points Per Game: 116.2 (8th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 112.2 (13th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 31.7 (23rd of 30)
• Pace: 98.9 (19th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 115 (6th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 111 (10th of 30)
• Net Rating: +4 (5th of 30)

Contain the Pelicans’ Big 3

The Pelicans have a potent offense that ranks eighth in the NBA, averaging 116.2 points per game, and they hit most of their shots from the paint or mid-range. All five Pelicans starters are averaging double digits, led by their Big Three of Zion Williamson (23.5), Brandon Ingram (21.2), and CJ McCollum (18.7).

Jonas Valanciunas (13 points per game) is the team’s leading rebounder (9.6) and a dominant paint presence that controls the Pelicans’ inside-out dynamic. But most of their offense goes through their Big Three. Finding a way to contain them will be key for the Bulls tonight.

Three-point defense

Trey Murphy III is off to an impressive start from long range, shooting 40.3 percent on 5.5 attempts per game. Jose Alvarado converts 40.8 percent of his three-point shots on 3.5 attempts per game and has also made a leap this season.

The Pelicans rank eighth in three-point attempts (35.7 per game). On the other hand, the Bulls have struggled to defend the three-point line early into the season -- they allow the ninth-highest opponent three-point percentage (37.3).

Containing the New Orleans Big Three is a priority for Chicago, but they can’t allow the Pelicans to beat them with their outside shooting.

Noteworthy

• The Pelicans won the last meeting, 115-111 on November 9. DeRozan had a game-high 33 points.
• New Orleans beat Chicago two of the last three times.
• The Bulls are 3-7 in the last 10 matchups against the Pelicans.
• Bulls’ projected lineup: Dosunmu, LaVine, DeRozan, Williams, Vucevic
• Pelicans’ projected lineup: McCollum, Murphy III, Jones, Ingram, Valanciunas
• Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out for the Bulls with a knee injury; Coby White will also miss this game
• Zion Williamson (right foot contusion) is listed as questionable for the Pelicans