Bulls vs Magic
Fri, Jan 2
Final
Bulls
Bulls
(16 - 17)
121
-
114
Magic
Magic
(19 - 15)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulls | 22 | 37 | 32 | 30 | 121 |
| Magic | 32 | 27 | 36 | 19 | 114 |
Venue: United Center
GAME LEADERS
PTS
REB
AST
Matas Buzelis
CHI | #14 | F
21
9
7
Paolo Banchero
ORL | #5 | F
31
6
6
Smart Game Analysis
Orlando Magic has a 65% chance of winning the game
The Magic are poised to capitalize on a depleted Bulls roster missing its top two playmakers, with Paolo Banchero's star power likely proving the difference.
Key Analysis
- • Chicago is severely handicapped by the confirmed absences of top scorers Josh Giddey and Coby White.
- • Paolo Banchero provides Orlando with the best player on the floor and a reliable closer coming off a 29-point performance.
- • Orlando ranks first in the league in free throw attempts, which exploits a Bulls defense allowing over 122 points per game.
- • The return of Jalen Suggs significantly upgrades the Magic's perimeter defense against Chicago's makeshift backcourt.
- • Chicago's 26th-ranked scoring defense is ill-equipped to stop Orlando's size advantage inside without Zach Collins.
- • The Bulls must maintain their second-ranked pace and get another outlier bench performance to remain competitive.
