The Chicago Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 134-118 on Wednesday night at the United Center, despite playing without their top two scorers.
Isaac Okoro led Chicago with a season-high 24 points. Tre Jones added 20 points and 12 assists, while Matas Buzelis contributed 19 points. Jalen Smith recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic added 17 points.
All five Bulls starters reached double figures in scoring. Three bench players also scored in double digits: Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter and Patrick Williams.
Injuries
Chicago played without Josh Giddey and Coby White, who were both injured in Monday's loss to Minnesota. Giddey, who is averaging 19.5 points, 9.2 assists and 9.1 rebounds, left that game in the opening minute of the second half with a left hamstring injury. White, the Bulls' leading scorer at 20.5 points per game, exited in the first quarter with a right calf strain.
The Bulls announced Sunday that Giddey will be reevaluated in two weeks and White in one week. Center Zach Collins, who missed Monday's game with a sprained right big toe, will be reevaluated in 10 days.
First Half
Chicago led 67-62 at halftime. Okoro scored 16 points in the opening 24 minutes.
Zion Williamson scored 20 of his points in the first half for New Orleans, including nine consecutive points late in the second quarter.
Second Half
The Bulls extended their lead to 97-90 entering the fourth quarter, then opened the final period with a 17-point advantage.
Chicago scored 25 points on fast breaks and held its own with New Orleans in the paint, 60-56.
The Bulls connected on 25 of 34 free throw attempts after struggling from the stripe in the first half. New Orleans committed multiple fouls throughout the game, which Chicago leveraged throughout the contest.
Pelicans
Williamson finished with 31 points to lead New Orleans. Jordan Poole added 26 points off the bench.
The Pelicans dropped their fifth consecutive game and fell to 8-27 on the season.
Guard Jose Alvarado served the second of a two-game suspension stemming from his fight on Saturday night with Phoenix's Mark Williams.
Up Next
Chicago (16-17) hosts the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
New Orleans hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.