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Let\u2019s dive into my preview and prediction for this Friday night matchup.<\/p>\n
Magic at Bulls preview, prediction<\/p>\n
The Magic sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 44-36 record. They are one game behind both the Raptors and Hawks and one game ahead of the 76ers and Hornets. Orlando enters this matchup on a four-game winning streak and will look to carry this momentum into its final two games. On the season, the Magic have gone 37-43 against the spread and cleared the game total in 44 of 80 games.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Isaac and Jett Howard will be sidelined for Orlando Friday night. Paolo Banchero headlines the production for the Magic, averaging 22.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Franz Wagner had another injury scare in his last game, but returned to the matchup and is off the injury report for Friday. He\u2019s contributing 20.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Desmond Bane has settled into his role, adding 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per contest. Anthony Black has enjoyed a breakout season, while the likes of Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva, and Goga Bitadze play key roles as well.<\/p>\n
Jamahl Mosley\u2019s squad ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring, 18th in offensive rating, 21st in field-goal percentage, and 26th in three-point percentage. On the other end, Orlando sits 13th in points allowed, 13th in defensive rating, 21st in opponent field-goal percentage, and ninth in opponent three-point percentage.<\/p>\n
The Bulls are limping to the finish line after getting eliminated from playoff contention with a 31-49 record. They sit 12th in the East and will look to end on a high note before addressing major questions this offseason. Chicago enters Friday night after back-to-back wins over the Wizards, which snapped a seven-game slide. The Bulls are 39-41 against the spread and have fallen under the game total in 43 of 80 games.<\/p>\n
Anfernee Simons, Jalen Smith, Nick Richards, Josh Giddey, Noa Essengue, and Zach Collins have all been ruled out for Friday night. Isaac Okoro is considered doubtful, while Matas Buzelis is questionable. Collin Sexton, Patrick Williams, Leonard Miller, and Lachlan Olbrich are each considered probable. <\/p>\n
Sexton has impressed across his first 24 games with the organization, averaging 17.6 points per game. It has been a successful second season for Buzelis, who adds 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Leonard Miller has also opened some eyes with averages of 11.4 points and 5.7 rebounds. Guerschon Yabusele, Tre Jones, and Rob Dillingham will also play notable roles.<\/p>\n
Billy Donovan\u2019s group ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring, 24th in offensive rating, 14th in field-goal percentage, and 15th in three-point percentage. Defensively, Chicago sits 28th in points allowed, 22nd in defensive rating, 22nd in opponent field-goal percentage, and 25th in opponent three-point percentage.<\/p>\n
Magic at Bulls prediction, best bet<\/p>\n
This is a massive game for the Magic; expect them to approach it with the necessary level of seriousness. While they have been a frustrating team for much of the season, they have seemingly stepped up and played some of their best basketball as the season winds down.<\/p>\n
Although Banchero and Wagner have struggled to coexist on the floor this season, they should capitalize against a deeply flawed Bulls roster that will likely look quite different a few months from now. Expect Orlando to attack Chicago\u2019s drained front court on offense and contain the dynamic Bulls youngsters on the other end. <\/p>\n
Orlando has covered the spread in 16 of its past 27 games, including three of its last four. The Magic have also covered in six of their last seven games at the United Center against Bulls teams with a losing record. With playoff seeding on the line, expect Orlando to come out firing \u2014 stretching its lead beyond 15.5 points by the final buzzer.<\/p>\n