Magic vs. Bulls: Can Banchero Lead Orlando to Victory?

When: Wednesday, October 30th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: United Center, IL, Chicago

TV: CHSN

Point Spread: Orl -5/Chi +5

Total: 227.5

Money Line: Orlando Magic -197/+165

Notable Injuries

Magic

• Jonathan Isaac (Questionable) Hip
• Goga Bitadze (Questionable) Foot

Bulls

• Lonzo Ball (Out) Wrist
• Jalen Smith (Questionable) Left Ankle

At 8:00 ET, the Orlando Magic (-197) will travel to the United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls (+165). The Magic are currently favored by 5 points, and the over/under line is set at 227.5.

This Eastern Conference matchup can be seen on CHSN.

Recent Form

The Magic improved to 3-1 on the season with a 119-115 win over the Pacers on Monday. Orlando, playing at home, was favored by 5.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 234, exceeding the pre-game line of 224.

Orlando took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Indiana 36-23, but the Pacers responded in the 3rd with a 39-22 run. Heading into the 4th quarter down 98-93, the Magic’s defense stepped up, holding the Pacers to 17 points while scoring 26 to seal the win.

The Bulls evened their record at 2-2 with a 126-123 road win over the Grizzlies on Monday. Chicago, who entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The game’s total of 249 points went over the pre-game line of 231.

Memphis went on a 10-0 run early, stretching their lead from 37-24 to 47-24. However, Chicago chipped away, winning the 3rd quarter 39-32 and the 4th quarter 33-23, turning a 100-93 deficit into a win.

The Historicals

Over the last five head-to-head meetings, the Magic have averaged 105 points per game compared to 97 for Chicago. This has led to an ATS record of 5-0 for Orlando. A combined average of 202 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 1-4.

Analysis

Paolo Banchero’s 50-point, 13-rebound performance powered the Magic to a win over the Pacers, shooting 61.5% from the field and hitting three threes at 33.3%. Jalen Suggs added 25 points, connecting on six threes at 46.2%.

Orlando made 13 threes as a team, shooting 31.7% from deep and 47% overall. Banchero scored 19 points in the 1st quarter and 18 in the 2nd, while Suggs added 12 of his points in the opening period.

Despite giving up 115 points, the Magic managed to pull off a win against the Pacers. Their defense struggled in the 1st and 3rd quarters, allowing 36 and 39 points, respectively, but they tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 17 points to help secure the victory.

Orlando sent Indiana to the line 30 times, where the Pacers hit 20 free throws. The Magic also allowed 13 threes on 44% shooting. Defensively, they recorded seven steals and six blocks.

Paolo Banchero’s 50-point performance, shooting 61.5% from the field, led the Magic to a win over the Pacers, with 19 of those points coming in the 1st quarter. Jalen Suggs contributed 25 points, hitting six threes at 46.2% efficiency.

Orlando made 13 threes as a team, shooting 31.7% from beyond the arc, and finished with an overall field goal percentage of 47%. Moritz Wagner added 9 of his 14 points in the 3rd quarter.

Despite giving up 123 points, the Bulls’ defense tightened up in the 4th quarter, allowing just 23 points to help secure the win over the Grizzlies. Chicago gave up 32 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters and 36 in the 2nd, but their late-game effort made the difference.

The Bulls held Memphis to 45% shooting overall, including 32% from beyond the arc, where the Grizzlies hit 14 threes. Chicago also limited Memphis’ trips to the free-throw line, where they went 7/13. The Bulls finished with five steals and six blocks.

Betting Trends

• In their last three games away from home, the Magic have a record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 107 points per game in these contests.
• Across their last three home contests, Chicago has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 123 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Bulls have a straight-up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Magic have a straight-up record of 7-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Orlando has started the season with a couple of good wins, taking down the Heat on the road and the Pacers on Monday evening. Heading into Wednesday’s matchup, they are favored by -5 on the road over the Bulls. On the other hand, the Bulls have been a tough one to figure out, taking down the Bulls and Grizzlies but losing big to New Orleans and OKC. For tonight’s matchup, I see Orlando picking up the win and covering the spread. The Magic can beat you in a lot of different ways, with the star power of Paolo Banchero, but they also play a team-first style of basketball. I’m taking Orlando -5.