Bulls vs. Pelicans Odds & Betting Predictions - October 24, 2024

Looking at the Pelicans, they lost their best two rebounders (JVal and Nance) and replaced them at center with a rookie (Missi) and Daniel Thies. Zion is a blow avg rebounder for his position, and also seemingly very questionable for tonight. Basically, the Pels are small, and I’m expecting Dejounte (present at shootaround) to have to rebound akin to his last two seasons in SA (8.3 and 7.1 boards per game). Bulls are an average matchup for rebounds in general - but I have Murray in the 6.5-7.5 range this season.

I am a fan of the new look Bulls, this has to be a smash spot for Vuc in their season debut. Pelicans frontcourt is brutally defensively with Theis, Robinson-Earl who are both 6’8”, and Missi who is a rookie. Missi recorded 5 fouls in 2 of his 3 pre-season games and struggled with fouls at Baylor. Vuc should be able to get his against a rookie making his debut. He also has a significant size advantage over the other 2 and expect him to have a huge role in pick and roll and on the offensive glass Offensively, with DeRozan gone there should be a lot more spacing and ball movement in general. Add in Giddey who is a very good passer specifically dumping it off to big men down low. Have to think Dejounte and Herb limit White and LaVine to a certain extent. Had this circled before the injury news, and getting it out early in case Zion and Murray are out. Personally think Bulls will surprise a lot of people this year

I see this line as undervaluing Giddey’s role - because I see his role akin to what it was his first two seasons in OKC. Two seasons ago, he averaged 29.7 PRA in 31 mins. Last year, he averaged 23.5 PRA in 25 mins. Proportionately, it’s similar - and I see his role with CHI at 28-32 mins to start. It’s a poor rebounding team, and one devoid of passing. He should share point guard duties with Coby White (who is great off-ball), and operate the PnR with Vooch. Lavine will be the alpha - but Giddey should be 3rd in usage. Tougher team matchup, but Herb will be on LaVine, and White likely gets Dejounte. Giddey should actually be in a really decent individual spot.

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