The Chicago Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-118, at United Center on Saturday night.

The Bulls (7-14) came in down a key asset in Zach LaVine (foot), but Chicago forged a 32-29 lead over the Pelicans (11-10) in the first 12 minutes. However, New Orleans erased the entirety of its deficit in the second quarter and took an eight-point advantage into halftime. Nevertheless, the hosts retook control of the game in convincing fashion during a third period in which they outscored the visitors by a 36-21 margin, and after the Pelicans fought all the way back to knot the game at 98, the Bulls were able to regain the lead for good to squeak out the victory.

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram furnished 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Herbert Jones supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist.

Coby White paced the Bulls with 31 points. supplementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. DeMar DeRozan produced a 24-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds. Torrey Craig and Ayo Dosunmu posted 15 points apiece, with Craig adding six boards. Patrick Williams registered 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday in an In-Season Tournament Knockout Round game, while the Bulls remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.