Magic vs Bulls November 27th 2024
At 7:00 ET, the Magic (-511) will host the Bulls (+387) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Magic (12-7) are currently favored by 10.5 points over the Bulls (8-11). Orlando has won three straight games.
This game will be played at the Kia Center in Orlando. The over/under line for the game is 223.5 points. The Magic are 3rd in the East, while the Bulls are 9th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 ET and the game can be seen on CHSN.
Bulls vs. Magic Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic
- Where: Orlando at Kia Center
- Date: Wednesday, November 27th
- Betting Odds ORL -10.5, CHI +387 | ORL -511 O/U 223.5
The Bulls Can Win If…
The Bulls improved to 8-11 on the season with a 127-108 road win over the Wizards on Tuesday. Chicago, favored by 5.5 points, covered the spread, while the game’s total of 235 points fell short of the 244-point line.
After trailing 29-21 after the 1st quarter, the Bulls turned things around by outscoring Washington 40-18 in the 2nd quarter. Chicago maintained their lead by edging the Wizards 35-34 in the 3rd quarter and closed out the game by winning the 4th quarter 31-27.
Coby White knocked down 5 threes, shooting 55.6% from deep, and led the Bulls with 21 points and 8 rebounds in their win over the Wizards. He scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter and 11 in the 3rd. Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 64.3% from the field, while Zach LaVine contributed 18 points, hitting 4 threes at a 50% rate.
The Bulls hit 14 threes as a team, shooting 35% from beyond the arc and 50% overall. Talen Horton-Tucker scored 9 of his 13 points in the 4th quarter, while Ayo Dosunmu added 6 of his 12 points in the final period.
Defensively, the Bulls were at their best in the 2nd quarter, holding the Wizards to just 18 points. They allowed 34 points in the 3rd but gave up only 27 in the 4th to secure the win. Overall, they allowed 108 points on 42% shooting from the field.
Chicago did a great job defending the three, with Washington making just 10 threes on 27% shooting. The Bulls also limited the Wizards to 5 offensive rebounds. Defensively, they finished with 6 steals and 4 blocks.
- In their last five road games, Chicago has averaged 121 points per game while allowing 121 . The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
- The last five games that Chicago was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.
- Over their last five games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 2-2-1 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Magic Can Win If…
With a 95-84 win over the Hornets on Monday, the Magic improved to 12-7 on the season. Orlando, favored by 4.5 points, covered the spread, while the game’s total of 179 points fell well short of the 212.5 O/U line.
Orlando’s defense took over in the 4th quarter, where they outscored Charlotte 37-22. An 11-0 run helped the Magic extend their lead from 64-63 to 75-63, securing the win.
Franz Wagner’s 13-point outburst in the 4th quarter helped the Magic to a win over the Hornets, finishing with a game-high 21 points and 7 assists. Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner each added 16 points, with Anthony contributing 9 points in the 2nd quarter and another 7 in the 4th.
Orlando shot just 39.4% from the field and 26.1% from three-point range, though they did hit 12 threes overall. Jonathan Isaac also stepped up late, scoring 9 of his 11 points in the final period.
The Magic put on a defensive clinic against the Hornets, holding them to just 84 points in their win on Monday. Orlando gave up 25 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up after that, allowing just 21 points in the 2nd, 16 in the 3rd, and 22 in the 4th.
Orlando’s defense was particularly strong from beyond the arc, where they held Charlotte to just 7 made threes on 21% shooting. The Magic also recorded 12 steals and 6 blocks in the game.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Magic offense has averaged 101 points per game while allowing an average of 107. Orlando posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 3-7 ATS.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Magic have gone 8-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 8-2.
- In their last three games, the Magic have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.
The Lean
As the underdogs with a spread of +10.5, we recommend going with the Bulls on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 223.5, and our model projects the Bulls and Magic to reach a combined total of 239 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
Franz Wagner and Resilient Magic Face Bulls in High-Stakes Clash
The Orlando Magic, led by Franz Wagner, are turning adversity into opportunity as they prepare to face the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. With standout performances and an impressive team effort, Orlando aims to extend their red-hot streak despite missing key players.
Wagner’s Dominance Lifts Orlando
Franz Wagner has been the cornerstone of the Magic’s success, thriving in the absence of Paolo Banchero. Over the last 10 games, Wagner has averaged a stellar 27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the team to a 9-1 record during this stretch. His consistent scoring and playmaking were on display Monday night in a 95-84 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, where he contributed 21 points and 7 assists.
However, it wasn’t just Wagner. Orlando’s bench took charge, contributing 55.8% of the team’s points. Reserves like Moritz Wagner (16 points), Cole Anthony (16), Jonathan Isaac (11), and Anthony Black (10) stepped up, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
Adapting to Adversity
Orlando’s ability to win despite injuries has been a hallmark of their season. With Banchero sidelined since October 30 due to a torn right oblique, and other key players like Jalen Suggs (hamstring), Wendell Carter Jr. (foot), and Gary Harris (hamstring) missing games, the team has relied on a “next man up” mentality.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s grit, saying, “Gutsy win — gritty and gutsy win. Bodies down and we didn’t make excuses. This group doesn’t make excuses.”
Suggs and Carter are expected to return for Wednesday’s game, which could further boost the Magic’s lineup. However, Harris has been ruled out, and his absence will test Orlando’s defensive rotations.
Chicago Bulls Look for Consistency
The Chicago Bulls have struggled to find their rhythm, posting a 5-9 record since the start of the month. They showed flashes of potential in a dominant 127-108 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, with seven players scoring in double figures.
Coby White led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 12 boards against his former team. Despite the strong showing, the Wizards are a struggling squad with a 2-14 record, and Bulls head coach Billy Donovan wants to see his team perform at the same level against stronger opponents like the Magic.
“Coming out of this game, it’s not like, ‘Oh, wow, everything is fixed,’” Donovan said. “My thing is, can we do it Wednesday night against a team that’s bigger, stronger, more athletic?”
Lonzo Ball’s Potential Return
Chicago could receive a major boost with the possible return of Lonzo Ball. Sidelined for 15 games with a wrist injury, Ball has been ramping up his activities in practice. Coach Donovan hinted at his availability, saying, “As long as there’s no setbacks, there’s a strong possibility he’ll play.”
Ball’s return would add depth to Chicago’s backcourt and provide defensive stability against Orlando’s fast-paced offense.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Franz Wagner vs. Bulls Defense:
Wagner’s ability to navigate Chicago’s defensive schemes will be a pivotal factor. His playmaking and scoring under pressure could tilt the game in Orlando’s favor. - Bench Battle:
Both teams rely heavily on their second units. Orlando’s depth, led by Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner, will clash with Chicago’s versatile bench contributors. - Impact of Returning Players:
Suggs and Carter could provide Orlando with much-needed reinforcement, while Ball’s potential return might spark the Bulls. - Athleticism vs. Execution:
Orlando’s size and athleticism will challenge Chicago’s ability to execute their game plan, particularly in rebounding and transition defense.
Prediction and Outlook
The Magic enter as the favorites, riding high on a 9-1 streak and boasting team chemistry that has thrived under pressure. While Chicago has shown flashes of brilliance, they’ll need a complete game to overcome Orlando’s momentum.
This matchup serves as a litmus test for both teams: Orlando’s resilience against adversity and Chicago’s ability to rise against tougher competition.
Tip-Off:
Wednesday night, Amway Center, Orlando.
Watch for:
- Franz Wagner’s continued dominance.
- Lonzo Ball’s return to action.
- The battle of the benches.
Orlando’s resolve and Chicago’s hunt for consistency make this a must-watch game with playoff implications.