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The Chicago Bulls (2-2) welcome the Orlando Magic (3-1) to United Center Wednesday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Magic vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Magic went 4-0 in 2023-24
The Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 119-115 Monday, closing as a 5.5-point home favorite. After covering their first 2 games, winning both by at least 15 points, the Magic have failed to cover 2 in a row, including their first loss, a 124-111 road defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. The Magic have performed well behind former No. 1 overall pick F Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 28.5 points per game (PPG) and scored 50 points Monday.
The Bulls beat the Grizzlies 126-123 Monday, closing as a 5-point road underdog in that battle. Chicago G Zach LaVine stayed hot, scoring 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting. The Bulls have traded off winning and losing over their 4 games, starting with a 123-111 road loss to open the season at the New Orleans Pelicans. Chicago is 2-2 against the spread (ATS) and is led by LaVine, who is averaging 26 PPG.
Magic at Bulls odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 12:02 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Magic -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Bulls +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic -6.5 (-105) | Bulls +6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Magic at Bulls key injuries
Magic
- F Jonathan Isaac (hip) questionable
Bulls
- G Lonzo Ball (wrist) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Magic at Bulls picks and predictions
Prediction
Magic 118, Bulls 111
Moneyline
PASS.
The Magic have shown energy and discipline so far this season, and their young stars are starting to shine. Expect that to continue, but at this moneyline value, avoid playing them to win outright.
Similarly, the Bulls have been too inconsistent to back here.
Against the spread
BET MAGIC -6.5 (-105).
Orlando has been exceptional to start the season, having scored at least 111 points in all 4 games and holding opponents to 101 or fewer points in 2 of its 4 games. The Magic have been surprisingly efficient offensively as well with 3 of their top-4 scoring options shooting 48% or better from the field.
Just 2 of the Bulls’ top 4 scorers can say they have eclipsed that percentage. Chicago has also disappointed after every win and struggled in its lone home match, dropping that game 114-95 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bulls’ offense has seen highs and lows, but their defense has only seen the latter, having allowed 122 points or more in 3 games.
Considering those pertinent issues, take the away side and back MAGIC -6.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET OVER 227.5 (-115).
Both teams have consistently gone Over the projected total this season, and there’s no reason to think those trends won’t continue Wednesday. The Bulls are 3-1 O/U and have scored at least 110 in 3 of 4 games and topped 126 points twice. Their defense has been a bigger issue as noted above.
The Magic, who have been efficient offensively, have also allowed at least 115 points in 2 straight games. Orlando’s efficiency against a lacking defense should maintain its dominant offensive performance. It is 4-0 O/U on the season.
That said, expect a high-scoring battle and take OVER 227.5 (-115).
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