Chicago Bulls (24-51 SU, 38-36-1 ATS) vs. Orlando Magic (22-52 SU, 34-39-1 ATS) Betting Pick
Time: Friday, March 30th, 2018 7:05 PM EDT
Where: Amway Arena Orlando, FL
TV: FSN
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds
Point Spread: Orlando -6.5
Total Line: 211.5
In this contest, the Magic opened as a five-point favorite. Since the open, we have seen a 1.5-point line movement in this market to reflect action rolling in on the Magic. On the Money Line, the Magic are priced as a -270 favorite compared to Chicago who comes in as a +230 road underdog. The Over/Under currently sits at 211.5.
The Chicago Bulls will take on the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference clash set to take place at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The tip-off is 7:05 PM ET and is due to be broadcast on FSN. The Bulls have had their way in this series as of late. Presently, Chi-town is riding a four-game winning streak against the Magic. In the most recent encounter, Chicago defeated Orlando by a score of 105-101 in February when they hosted the Magic at the United Center. The Bulls come in off a loss that extends their losing streak to seven games. The Magic have undergone a similar form of distress. Overall, both clubs have been losing at will, given the fact their seasons are all but wrapped up. When looking at their last twenty games, both Chicago and Orlando are 4-16 SU over this span. Against the spread, however, both outfits are an incredible 11-9 ATS over this twenty-game period.
From a betting trend perspective, there arent many noteworthy items other is worth mentioning that the Bulls are 9-29 SU in games outside of the Windy City. Home court will not be a factor as the Magic have not been strong at home overall, Orlando is 15-22 SU on the season in the Amway Center. Against the spread, the Magic have mirrored their performance portfolio to their straight-up record. The Bulls, however, are a virtual .500 team against the spread on the road with an 18-20 ATS mark.
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Chicago offers little appeal in this market other than the fact they have an emotional edge over the Magic by their recent winning streak. When you toss this narrative in with points, Chicago offers tremendous upside. Moreover, Chicago owns advantages in the rebounding, bench, and turnover department. These edges make the Bulls a tough out with points to boot.
The Magic offer a lot of appeal in this market. The notion of home court advantage is a selling point for Orlando in this contest. In addition, Orlando has a potential to own Chicago on both sides of the court. The Magic are the better shooting team, scoring team, and defensive team in contrast to the Bulls.
From a public money perspective, 72% of the consensus cash and 62% of the ticket action is with the Magic against the spread. In Over/Under markets, we have seen the numbers get divided as 50% of the cash and ticket action down the middle on both choices in this spot.
There is little dispute here that this is a game of little consequence for either club. In this time of the season, teams like Chicago and Orlando who have been eliminated from post-season contention are bound to get their reserves and back-ups in the game more to some extra playing time. Some conspiracy theorists would even imply that these teams tank games to get the best chance of securing the top pick in the draft lottery. With this being established, any time we see a team like Orlando spotting points it raises a red flag given the exposure potential. This match is one of those games where anything can truly happen, and thus spotting points here is extremely perilous. Take the points, Chicago may even pull an upset given how up in the air this game can go.
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