By Richard Kagan

Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans were simply too much and the front court paved the way for the Pelicans in a 96-90 OT win versus the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

The undermanned Bulls (2-6) played its second of  back-to-back game against the Pelicans who were also appearing in the second of back-to-back games.  Davis scored 27 points and had 16 rebounds while Cousins finished a strong second half, (18 points, 7 rebounds) to hold off Chicago.  Cousins had 25 points and 11 rebounds in the game.

Denzel Valentine, the guard, hit a trey for the Bulls to put them ahead 83-81 with 2:28 left in the fourth quarter. But Davis tied the game on a dunk play. In OT, the Pelicans outscored Chicago 13-7 to earn the W.

The Bulls only hit on 35.4% shots from the floor for the game and that usually does not add up with a W.  The Bulls made it close because of their hustle and they out-rebounded N.O., however on nights like this, the Bulls will be hard pressed to come up with a win.

The Pelicans only made 40.2% of its shot attempts.  These were two tired teams trying to get that second win on a back-to-back.  Chicago won in Orlando by 20+ points where all things looked good for the Bulls. In this game they faced perhaps the best 1-2 duo in the League. They lead their team to the road win.

Justin Holiday hit for 18 points for the Bulls.  Valentine scored 16. Rookie Lauri Markkanen had 14 points as well as C Robin Lopez.

Bobby Portis is eligible to play the next game for the Bulls.  It is not clear yet if he will see any playing time. Portis was suspended for eight games for an altercation with forward Niko Mirotic. Mirotic suffered a concussion and two broken facial bones. Porter has apologized to Mirotic but it is not clear if Mirotic has accepted his apology. He will not be able to play for four to six weeks. It is unclear if Mirotic will remain with the team.  Front office had remained mum on the status of Mirotic staying on as a Bull.