The Chicago Bulls pay a visit to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Monday night. Here’s a Magic vs Bulls Prediction. This article will include a Magic vs Bulls Pick.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Chicago Bulls have been in a rut as they’ve dropped four of their last five games overall. They will be hoping to avoid a fourth straight defeat after getting beaten by the struggling Pacers in a 103-101 road loss on Saturday. Josh Giddey led the starters with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Tre Jones provided the spark off the bench with 17 points on seven of nine shooting. Nikola Vucevic tallied 16 points with eight rebounds and six assists while Kevin Huerter chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Bulls shot 45 percent from the field and 14 of 34 from the 3-point line as they worked hard to overcome an 11-point deficit to lead by seven points midway through the fourth quarter, before the Pacers closed the final 4:29 on a 13-4 run to snatch the game away in the end.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been in great form as they’ve won eight of their last 10 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after sneaking past the Pistons in a 112-109 road win on Friday. Desmond Bane led the team with 37 points on 13 of 25 shooting, Franz Wagner added 21 points while Anthony Black chipped in with 16 points off the bench. As a team, the Magic shot just 41 percent from the field and a miserly five of 30 from the 3-point line, but this game was all about their defense as they forced the Pistons into 24 turnovers. They capped off the game by blocking the potential game tying shot at the buzzer.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Bulls have lost each of their last eight road games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Magic have won eight of their last nine home games against Central Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as home favorites against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The Bulls have won each of their last six games as underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have lost each of their last three games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Bulls’ last 11 games.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six home games after winning as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Bulls’ last six games as underdogs following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the last six Monday games between the Bulls and Magic have gone UNDER the total points line.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Desmond Bane ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (92.6%) this season.
- Jalen Suggs ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (91.3%) this season.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Josh Giddey has recorded two games with 7+ assists and zero turnovers this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Nikola Vucevic ranks 12th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (9.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (32.0).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (24.8).
- The Bulls have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 19 points vs 76ers on November 4.
- The Bulls rank 29th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (6.1).
Magic vs Bulls Prediction
The Bulls are still missing Zach Collins, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith and Dalen Terry, while the Magic have ruled out Paolo Banchero and Moritz Wagner. The Bulls have gone cold again, and their confidence took a gut shot after falling to the slumping Pacers in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Magic have quietly been one of the form teams in the league, and they would’ve taken so much from their gritty win over the red-hot Pistons in their last game. The Magic should be well-rested for this one as they haven’t played since Friday, and I am backing them to continue their strong form with a comfortable win and cover at home in this one.