Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 06/04/2024, 17:54  by Joseph King | Modified on 06/04/2024 at 20:49 in NBA Prediction

The fourth-place Orlando Magic host the ninth-placed Chicago Bulls with both teams jostling for position as we approach the playoffs. The Magic are currently tied with the Knicks as each team possesses identical 45-32 records. The Bulls have already guaranteed their spot in the play-in tournament and are battling for home court advantage in the game between the ninth and the 10th seeds. They currently hold a one-game lead over the 10th-place Hawks with each team having five games left on the schedule.

Orlando comes into this contest looking to bounce back after suffering a 124-115 away defeat to the Hornets in their last outing. It was a disappointing result that snapped a three-game winning streak against a team they were expected to beat. They now return to the familiar surroundings of the Kia Center, which they have turned into a fortress this season with their 27-12 home record. The Magic’s success this season has been built off of their elite defense. They boast the league’s third best home defense with only 105.3 points per game allowed compared to 111.3 when they play on the road. 

The Bulls pulled off an impressive 108-100 home win over the Knicks on Friday to move to 37-40 on the year. They’ll be aiming to get some consistency going ahead of the play-in tournament after a stretch of swapping between wins and losses. The good news is that Chicago is now 3-2 in their last five games. The Bulls are 17-20 on the road this season but are on an excellent stretch where they have won five of their last eight as the visiting team. That includes a 109-101 win over the Western Conference leading Timberwolves the last time that Chicago took to the road.