Bulls magic prediction, choose how to watch
The Eastern Conference is heating up as the Chicago Bulls (22-26) take to the streets to take on the Orlando Magic (19-30) as both teams attempt to battle for a play-in spot. Don’t miss the action and cCheck out our NBA odds series for our Bulls Magic prediction and selection.
The Chicago Bulls continue their up-and-down season against a battered Orlando Magic team tonight. The Bulls were able to pull off short winning streaks, but fell victim to aches and pains on the street. About halfway through the season they’re fighting for a play-in spot, so they’ll try to add some wins to their resume and find their groove later. Goran Dragic is likely to return for this game, his addition will be huge for the Bulls.
The Orlando Magic are having a season to forget, but it doesn’t come without the emergence of Paolo Banchero as a future star in the league. Even with their losses, there are positives and lessons to be learned—Banchero is becoming a better Magic player with every game. They’ll need to work on their chemistry and play solid team basketball to get that win over the Bulls.
Here are the Bulls-Magic NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Bulls-Magic Odds
Chicago Bulls: -2.5 (-114)
Orlando Magic: +2.5 (-106)
Above: 230.5 (-110)
Below: 230.5 (-110)
How to watch Bulls vs Magic
Television: Regional coverage
Stream: fuboTV, NBA League Pass
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the bulls might cover the spread
The Bulls weren’t the best road team going 9-16. They’re prone to losing multiple games on a single road trip, only to be saved by a home win. Such a game can confirm the 22-26 record – the Bulls need to play much better on the road if they want to fight for a playoff spot. Demar Derozan continues to be a goalscorer and it helps to support Zach LaVine in the department.
The key for the Bulls will be playing Nikola Vucevic consistently. It seems like every good game he has is one where the Bulls win. Qualifying Vucevic as a goalscorer will be crucial for the Bulls in the near term – he also needs a big game against rookie Banchero if they are to take a step in the right direction tonight.
Why the magic could cover the spread
The Orlando Magic will be the much larger team in this matchup. They have economies of scale with Banchero and Bol Bol clogging up the middle. Their big men are also able to spread the ground and make shots, making the Magic a very dangerous team if they find a hot hand early on. Paolo Banchero leads the youngsters on points and assists, he will be looking for Bol and Franz Wagner to score and defend.
The Magic were one of the better covering teams in the league, going 28-18 ATS overall with a 16-9 record at home. With most of their crew healthy, this seems like a good place for the Magic to win in their building against a Bull team struggling on the street. Make sure Orlando’s defense is going against the Bulls’ shooters, as they have a huge advantage when they bounce the ball back.
Final Bulls Magic Prediction & Pick
If that game were played in Chicago, the election would lean in the Bulls’ favor. However, the Bulls are a different team on the road and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to find answers. Orlando has a number of inconsistencies on the defensive side against a smaller Bulls lineup. Look here for Magic to cover at home.
Final Bulls Magic Prediction and Pick: Orlando Magic +2.5 (-106)
