The Chicago Bulls (24-51) look to snap their seven-game losing streak when they challenge the Orlando Magic (22-52) at Amway Center. The game can be seen on Fox SportsNet Florida at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 30, 2018.
Orlando opened as a 5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 212 points.
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic ATS Prediction
The Bulls are hoping for a better outcome after their 103-92 loss to the Miami Heat in their last outing. Miami’s 0.494 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Chicago, who had a mark of 0.400. The Heat’s mark was below their season average of 0.523, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 0.497. Noah Vonleh put together a solid game for Chicago, recording 14 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Magic’s last matchup, they fell to the Brooklyn Nets, 111-104. Making free throws was one of Brooklyn’s largest strengths. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Magic were 13-16 (81.3 percent). With 24 points on 11-for-21 shooting, Nikola Vucevic was the game’s high scorer.
It could be a tough game for Orlando on the offensive glass. The Magic rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.1 percent), while Chicago ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent).
Chicago heads into the game with records of 24-51 straight up (SU) and 36-35-3 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Bulls’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Orlando owns records of 22-52 SU and 33-39-2 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Magic are involved, as 43 of their 74 games have gone under the O/U total.
The Bulls have won all three contests against the Magic this season, including a 105-101 victory in their last matchup. Chicago was unable to cover as a 5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 206 points, which was 6 points below the projected point total of 212 points. Chicago had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 16.7). Orlando, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.9 vs. 10.2). Mario Hezonja scored a game-high 24 points.
Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 17-19-1 ATS with 22 overs and 15 unders.
At home, Orlando is 14-22-1 ATS with 23 unders and 14 overs.
Chicago is 6-6 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Orlando is 10-7.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Bulls are 22-24 and the Magic are 22-29.
Orlando ranks eighth in three pointers allowed per game (27.0) while Chicago ranks last (32.1).
The Bulls rank sixth in rebounds per game (44.8) while the Magic rank 26th (41.3).
Chicago ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Orlando ranks 20th (8.0).
The Magic rank 14th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Bulls rank last (3.6).
Orlando ranks 11th in assists per game (23.4) while Chicago ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
The Bulls rank 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.7) while the Magic rank 29th (49.0).
Chicago averages 11.7 fast break points per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Orlando ranks 21st in fast break points allowed per game (12.9).
The Magic rank 22nd in points off turnovers per game (15.6) while the Bulls rank 28th (14.6).
Chicago ranks 21st in second chance points per game (11.6) while Orlando ranks 27th (10.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Orlando is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 7.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 95.2 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
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