Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls (Dec. 23, 2019): How To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic return home, hoping they can return to their defensive identity and rediscover the rhythm that can propel them forward in the playoff race.
Chicago Bulls (12-19) vs. Orlando Magic (12-17)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-BULLS ON FUBO TV
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The Action Network’s Line: Magic by 4.5
Tickets: $39-$616 on StubHub
2020 Season Series: Tonight in Orlando; March 12 in Orlando; April 13 in Chicago
Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago | 101.6 | 103.7 | 105.1 | 50.1 | 25.7 | 15.4 | 25.0 |
Orlando | 98.3 | 105.0 | 107.2 | 48.9 | 27.2 | 13.2 | 24.6 |
OMD Prediction
If there is a team in the Eastern Conference that resembles the Orlando Magic of last year, it might be the Chicago Bulls. They have quietly put together a solid defense as Jim Boylen has put his will onto this team. That is at least something. Not that there were not some bumps in the road for this team. There still seems to be some underlying tension. That only seems to have angered Zach LaVine who is capable of some massive scoring outbursts. Where Chicago struggles is with discipline offensively. The Bulls are somehow worse offensively than the Magic. And they turn the ball over a lot. Orlando can score, despite some recent shooting struggles. But this game will come down to the Magic’s defense. If they have their defense straightened out, then they have a real chance to win.
1) Orlando Magic say a tougher defense will be key to getting themselves back on track, Luis Torres of the Orlando Sentinel writes. The Magic know their defense is what really needs to get fixed to get the team going again.
2) The Orlando Magic were at a low point last December when they found their footing to lay the seeds for their playoff run. This moment is another gut check fo the team, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.
3) Steve Clifford’s approach to the Orlando Magic’s rotation needs some tweaking, Omar Cabrera writes. The Magic have to at least change some of their offensive approach.
4) The Orlando Magic are still solving the puzzle for an effective rotation. One thing Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post surmises that Nikola Vucevic is important to the roster construction.
5) Seth Arora breaks down four potential targets if the Orlando Magic wanted to move Aaron Gordon. An early survey of the NBA trade market.
6) The Orlando Magic were supposed to learn the lessons they are struggling with right now.
7) His development has been slow, but Mohamed Bamba is starting to show signs of progress as the Orlando Magic’s long-term project continues, Sean Deveney of Forbes writes.
8) Coby White is among the reasons for hope for the Chicago Bulls in 2020, Andrew Miller of Pippen Ain’t Easy writes.
9) Zach LaVine is putting together a solid season that has his teammates calling him an All-Star, Madeline Kenney of the Chicago Sun-Times writes.
10) Wendell Carter Jr. is falling off after a strong start to the season, Andrew Miller of Pippen Ain’t Easy writes.
11) The Orlando Magic’s lack of gravity hurts them late in games when they try to break down set and pressure-filled defenses.
12) The Orlando Magic as a whole cannot seem to separate itself form mediocrity, David Colarossi of Sir Charles in Charge writes.
13) Someone at The Athletic thinks Jonathan Isaac is one of the players in the NBA you should be paying to see.
14) Terrence Ross is starting to catch fire again after a slow start to the season.