The Orlando Magic will try to end their four-game losing streak when they host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night at Kia Center. Orlando is 29-34 and currently eighth in the Eastern Conference, while Chicago sits at 24-38, holding onto the 10th spot. The two teams have split their meetings this season, with Orlando winning the most recent matchup 133-119 in November.
Orlando is coming off a 114-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors, marking their second straight one-point defeat. Meanwhile, Chicago lost 139-117 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday after blowing a 15-point lead. Both teams need a win to stay in the playoff picture.
Chicago Bulls Preview – Defensive Struggles Continue
The Bulls have lost nine of their last 11 games, with defense being a major issue. In their loss to Cleveland, they allowed 43 points in the fourth quarter, unable to contain the league-leading Cavaliers. Coby White led the team with 25 points, while Talen Horton-Tucker and Zach Collins added 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Chicago has been without multiple key players, including Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, and Kevin Huerter, while Ayo Dosunmu is out for the season. The Bulls have struggled to close out games, often letting leads slip away late. Their defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 116.5 points per game.
The Bulls will need strong performances from White and Collins to compete with an Orlando team desperate for a win. Limiting turnovers and finding consistency on defense will be crucial.
Orlando Magic Preview – Looking for Answers
Orlando has struggled lately, losing four straight, including back-to-back home losses to Toronto by a combined three points. Paolo Banchero had 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the last game, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Magic have been plagued by poor third quarters, getting outscored 31-19 in the last game.
The Magic have also been dealing with injuries, with Cole Anthony listed as questionable and Jalen Suggs out for the season. Franz Wagner contributed 28 points in the loss, but the team has lacked consistency on both ends of the floor. Orlando’s defense remains strong, ranking first in the league in opponent points per game (105.9), but their offensive efficiency has been lacking.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the need for energy and execution coming out of halftime. If the Magic can improve their second-half play, they should have an edge in this matchup.
Betting Prediction
The Magic are slight favorites at home, and with good reason. Orlando has one of the best defenses in the league, while Chicago has struggled to close out games. The Bulls’ injuries also make it tough to trust them on the road.
Expect Orlando to control the tempo and use their defense to frustrate Chicago’s scorers. The total is worth watching, as the Magic have trended under in recent games.
Pick: Orlando Magic -4 over Chicago Bulls
The Magic win this game in Central Florida over the Bulls on Thursday.
