The Chicago Bulls are heading to Orlando to take on the Magic Thursday night in what could be a crucial Eastern Conference showdown. The Magic enter as 7-point favorites on their home court, according to BetOnline odds.
Both teams are struggling to find their rhythm lately, making this matchup particularly interesting for fans.
Want to catch the action? Jazz Sports is offering a free live stream of the game.
The Bulls-Magic tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando. You can also catch it on Bally Sports Florida if you prefer traditional TV viewing.
## Injury Concerns Mounting
The injury report isn’t looking great for either squad.
Chicago might be without several key players. Patrick Williams and Kevin Huerter are both questionable with knee issues, while former Magic center Nikola Vucevic is doubtful with a calf problem. Lonzo Ball (wrist) and Josh Giddey (quadriceps) are also questionable.
The Bulls will definitely be missing Ayo Dosunmu, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Orlando has its own health concerns. Cole Anthony is questionable with a toe injury, while both Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are sidelined for the remainder of the season.
## Bulls Fighting for Play-In Position
Chicago’s road record stands at 13-16, with a slightly better 19-23 mark against Eastern Conference opponents.
They’ve been ice cold lately, winning just 2 of their last 10 games. During this rough stretch, they’re averaging 115.4 points but clearly struggling to stop opponents.
Tuesday was particularly rough for the Bulls, who got hammered 139-117 by the league-leading Cavaliers at home.
Despite their struggles, Chicago still holds a 2ยฝ game lead over Brooklyn and Philadelphia for the East’s final play-in tournament spot.
## Magic Looking to End Homestand on High Note
Orlando hasn’t been much better lately, going 4-6 in their last 10 games while putting up just 106 points per contest.
Thursday’s game will wrap up a seven-game homestand that hasn’t gone as planned. The Magic are trying desperately to avoid a fifth straight loss.
Their most recent defeat was particularly painful – a 114-113 last-second heartbreaker against Toronto on Tuesday. That was their second home loss to the lower-ranked Raptors in just three days.
## Season Series Split
The teams have split their two meetings this season, with each winning on their home court.
Chicago edged Orlando 102-99 back in October, while the Magic got revenge with a convincing 133-119 victory in November.
Recent history favors Orlando, with the Bulls going just 1-6 in their last seven matchups against the Magic.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives Orlando a 76.4% chance of winning this one, though their 1-4 record in their last five games against Central Division teams suggests it might not be so straightforward.
With both teams desperate for a win, this could turn into one of the more competitive games on Thursday’s NBA slate.
