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Which teams are the Orlando Magic battling for the 8th seed?

By Joe Buckley

Jan 9, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) compete for a loose ball during the second half at Amway Center. The Washington Wizards won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) compete for a loose ball during the second half at Amway Center. The Washington Wizards won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Miami Heat
Mar 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) is defended by Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls (32-32) (9th spot) (4.5 games ahead of the Magic)

The lineup consistency still works against the Bulls, with Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose unable to stay on the court. There have been major reports of the players not trusting rookie coach Fred Hoiberg and constant rumblings of players not getting along.

If there is any truth to them, the pressure of trying to get into the playoffs could be enough to bring all of this to light.

What’s going for them

Injury troubles, a new coach and problems in the roster aside, this is still a talented roster. Even with Rose and Butler dipping in and out of the lineup, Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol, Mike Dunleavy and Nikola Mirotic are a force to be reckoned with, along with a serviceable bench. When they are all healthy.

Even with a rookie coach, most of these guys know each other and are battle tested. Pau Gasol is stable and talented enough to maybe get them there alone, if Butler can get on the court, the Bulls must be top choice to make it back in.

Can the Magic pass them?

As mentioned, the Bulls would be a strong bet to make it to the eighth seed, if not higher. Their remaining schedule is evenly split between home and away. Of their remaining games, only around seven are against top threats, and one of those is the Cleveland Cavaliers in the final week, who may be resting their stars with a first seed locked up.

The two teams do meet once more, with the Bulls playing in Orlando next Saturday. The season series has been split so far with the Magic drawing blood most recently. If they can get another victory here, it could have major implications.

Next: Sitting on the pole