The Chicago Bulls (6-22), 4.5-point underdogs, will face off against the Orlando Magic (12-15) at Mexico City Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 209.5 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 13, 2018.
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic ATS Odds
Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last outing. The Magic (5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 101-76, while the Bulls (2-point underdogs) fell to the Sacramento Kings, 108-89. The Orlando game went 33 points under the projected point total of 210, while the Chicago game finished 29 points under the projected point total of 226.
Chicago did a terrific job of making free throws (13-13; 100.0 percent) while Orlando had a better effective field goal percentage (0.404 vs. 0.488). Nikola Vucevic played well for Orlando, putting up eight points and 16 rebounds. Chicago, meanwhile, received a boost from Zach LaVine, who put up 19 points.
The Bulls dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in all four games. In the last game, Chicago won 90-82. Chicago had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.138). Orlando, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 14.5). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Vegas tends to place the total high when the Bulls are involved, as 67.9 percent of their contests have gone under the projected point total. Chicago heads into the game with records of 6-22 straight up (SU) and 13-15 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Magic also have a tendency to finish under the total (63.0 percent). Additionally, Orlando is 12-15 SU and 15-11-1 ATS.
There’s a decent chance that Chicago struggles to create turnovers. Orlando ranks fourth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.8 percent), while Chicago forces the 20th-most turnovers (13.6 percent).
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls rank 22 in points in the paint per game (45.214285714285715) while the Magic rank 27 (42.44444444444444).
- Orlando ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.7) while Chicago ranks 23rd (8.8).
- The Magic rank 11th in three pointers allowed per game (30.4) while the Bulls rank 27th (34.4).
- Orlando blocks 5.4 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 14th in the NBA. Chicago ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (6.5).
- Chicago ranks 18 in fast break points per game (11.892857142857142) while Orlando ranks 25 (10.333333333333334).
- The Magic rank eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.9) while the Bulls rank 25th (18.5).
- The Magic rank 19 in second chance points per game (12.925925925925926) while the Bulls rank 28 (9.642857142857142).
- Orlando averages 42.333333333333336 rebounds per game, which ranks 24 in the NBA. Chicago ranks 29 in rebounds allowed per game (49.214285714285715).
- Orlando averages 25.7 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Chicago ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (25.1).
- Chicago is 2-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Orlando is 4-1.
- The Magic are 10-6 when they score over 100 points, while the Bulls are 4-11.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Chicago and Orlando are both 2-3 ATS.
- The Bulls have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Magic have 4 unders and 1 over
- The Bulls\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 19.0, up from 11.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 97.6 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
