The Chicago Bulls have their first matchup with Zion Williamson tonight. Here are the latest odds and things to watch for.
After losing their last three games by a combined total of 51 points, the Chicago Bulls desperately need to get back on track tonight. Unfortunately for them, they’re running into a Pelicans squad currently playing with a lot of juice.
Preparing for Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is a matchup nightmare in every sense of the word. He’s stronger, quicker, and more skilled than almost everyone in the league. He’s a force of nature. And tonight, he’ll make his United Center regular-season debut against a depleted Bulls squad.
There’s really no way to prepare for Zion. You truly can’t stop him — you can only hope to contain him. That’s why tonight’s game won’t come down to Zion. He’s going to get his. Tonight’s game will be decided by the others — for both teams.
If Lonzo Ball shoots it well, Brandon Ingram plays like an All-Star and Jrue Holiday puts the clamps on Zach LaVine, the Pelicans should win handily.
On the flip side, if Ball comes out cold, Ingram has a poor game and LaVine goes off, the Bulls might have a chance to steal one at home.
Bulls odds against Pelicans
The following odds are courtesy of The Action Network and are current as of 3:30 pm CT.
I’m actually surprised the Pelicans aren’t bigger favorites. Even if the Bulls were healthy, I’d probably like the Pelicans more in this matchup. But with the Bulls shredded by injuries, this line should be bigger.
Derrick Favors is leaps and bounds better than Luke Kornet. Zion Williamson is virtually unguardable. Brandon Ingram is the only All-Star in the game. Jrue Holiday is one of the most underrated players in the league. And Lonzo Ball is starting to look like the point guard Pelicans fans were hoping for.
Prediction: The Pelicans cover the spread.