Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/11/2023, 06:14  by Joseph King | Modified on 15/11/2023 at 07:09 in NBA Predictions

An Eastern Conference clash in the NBA on Wednesday sees the 12th-place Chicago Bulls hosting the eighth-place Orlando Magic. It’s been a poor start to the 2023/24 campaign for the Bulls who finished 10th in the East standings last year. They’ve gotten off to a 4-7 start which sees them 1.5 games behind their opponents today. After a 118-109 win over the Pistons on Sunday, the Bulls would fall to the Milwaukee Bucks by the same scoreline on Monday. The loss means that Chicago still has yet to win two consecutive games this season. They return to the United Center for the first of a four game home stand with their first two matchups coming against the Orlando Magic. Chicago have won three of their six home games compared to just one in five on the road. The Bulls will be without second-leading scorer DeMar DeRozan for this one as the 34-year-old Compton native sits out due to personal reasons.

The Orlando Magic have experienced an encouraging start to the season and currently sit .500 with a 5-5 record. There were signs last year of what this team might become and we’re seeing the young core take an impressive step forward so far this season. The Magic finished 13th last season with a 34-48 record but look like they could battle it out for a play-in spot this time around. Orlando is coming off a 124-104 away loss to the Nets on Tuesday, marking the team’s third defeat in the past four games. Orlando’s best aspect has been their defense where they rank sixth in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating. However, the Magic have been dealing with the loss of defensive anchor Wendell Carter Jr over the past five games. During that stretch, Orlando is 2-3 which includes giving up their season-high points total of 124 to the Nets.