The Chicago Bulls (12-19) will travel to the Amway Center to clash against the Orlando Magic (12-17). The Magic opened as 4-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 209 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 23, 2019.
Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic ATS Odds
The Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons in their last contest, 119-107, comfortably covering as 1.5-point favorites. The Magic, on the other hand, were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers, 118-103, and failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Chicago game finished 16 points over the projected point total of 210, while the Orlando game went 1.5 points over the projected point total of 219.5.
Chicago dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 21.5) and a free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.189). For those same stats, Detroit was 14.6 and 0.126, respectively. Orlando, meanwhile, forced Portland into a turnover percentage of 17.8 (above their season average of 11.6). Orlando was led by Nikola Vucevic, who recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds and six steals. Zach LaVine, meanwhile had a good game for Chicago, contributing 33 points, five rebounds and five assists.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. The Bulls won the last matchup 110-109. Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 13.3). Orlando, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (19.5 vs. 13.6). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Bulls games, with 16 unders compared to 15 overs. Chicago comes into the game with records of 12-19 straight up (SU) and 17-14 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Magic’s 29 games, 16 have finished over the total. Moreover, Orlando owns records of 12-17 SU and 11-14-4 ATS.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this battle. Orlando commits the second-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.4 percent), while the gambling defense of Chicago forces the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent). Moreover, the Bulls, who rank 22nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.192), will clash against the Magic, who rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.163).
Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Odds Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Orlando ranks third in blocks per game (6.4) while Chicago ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.3).
- The Magic rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8) while the Bulls rank 27th (47.5).
- Chicago ranks 14th in points in the paint per game (47.2) while Orlando ranks 25th (44.3).
- Chicago ranks ninth in three pointers attempted per game (35.2) while Orlando ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (33.0).
- The Magic rank sixth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Bulls rank 26th (8.5).
- The Bulls average 14.6 fast break points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Magic rank 15th in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
- Orlando ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while Chicago ranks 19th (17.7).
- Orlando is 6-3 when they allow under 100 points, while Chicago is 3-2.
- The Magic are 9-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Bulls are 12-10.
- Chicago is 9-6 ATS on the road, while Orlando is 4-8-2 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 8 of the Bulls’ 15 road games, while 7 of the Magic’s 14 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Magic are 1-2-2.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Orlando has 5 overs.
- The Bulls have outscored opponents by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Chicago has lost by an average of 1.4 points.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 109.2 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.8 points per game (12.5 above their season average).
