The Orlando Magic has had plenty of drama recently. The Magic have gone 2-1 in the last three games, which were decided by a total of four points. It's the first time this season they've had three straight results decided by two points or less.
The Magic hope to have less excitement down the stretch against a Bulls team that will be missing two starters and a top reserve.
My Magic vs. Bulls predictions and NBA picks call for Orlando to get a cover as road favorites.
Magic vs Bulls prediction
Magic vs Bulls best bet: Orlando Magic -5 (-115)
Since a five-game winning streak, both straight-up and ATS, the Chicago Bulls have dropped two of three, salvaging only a cover/win against the last-place Pelicans.
The change in fortunes on the scoreboard coincided with some bad luck in the trainer's room. Back-up center Zack Collins, who had strung together six straight double-digit scoring games, went down two days after Christmas with a toe sprain.
He's missed the last two games and is expected to be out another week. The Bulls are 6-1 this season when he scores at least 10, so he'll be missed.
So will the pair of starters Chicago lost this week. Leading scorer Coby White hasn't played since Dec. 21 due to a calf injury, while co-leading scorer Josh Giddey hurt his hamstring on Dec. 29.
Coach Billy Donovan went with a one-guard lineup—PG Tre Jones—in the last game, sending size out to compete with the Pelicans. That may not work as well against an Orlando Magic team with multiple guards and ball-handling bigs.
While the Magic has performed in the clutch, recently, overall, the Magic have been inconsistent. They struggled against last-place Indiana in the last game and blew a 21-point lead against Toronto in the game before that.
A shooting slump has contributed to the problems for Orlando. The Magic are 29th in the league in three-point shooting and were the least accurate in the NBA for December. They made just three treys in their last game, the fewest for the Magic since 2015.
Getting point guard Jalen Suggs back last game, after he missed seven straight with a hip injury, should help Orlando get back in synch. So should Chicago's makeshift lineup and missing parts.
Magic vs Bulls same-game parlay
Chicago's injuries and Orlando's inconsistency are clearly evident in both teams' recent over/under performance. The Bulls have gone under in four of the last five games, despite having the second-highest pace in the league.
Missing White and Giddey will slow them further. Orlando has been under in five of the last six.
Someone has to get the shots for Chicago with White, Giddey, and Collins on the shelf. Isaac Okoro is one of the beneficiaries. He scored a season-high 24 last time out, taking double-digit shot attempts for just the second time this season.
He'll be one of the Bulls' top scoring options and have plenty of opportunities.
Magic vs Bulls SGP
- Orlando Magic -5
- Under 233.5
- Isaac Okoro Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dimes!
With Chicago down two starting guards, Orlando should be able to take advantage of its superior ball movement to get open shots and scoring opportunities.
Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero both average 4.6 assists per game. Bane has had five or more in three of the last five games, and he has more favorable odds on the assists prop than Banchero. So he's our choice to go over.
Magic vs Bulls SGP
- Orlando Magic -5
- Under 233.5
- Isaac Okoro Over 9.5 points
- Desmond Bane Over 4.5 assists
Magic vs Bulls odds
- Spread: Magic -4.5 (-110) | Bulls +4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Magic -175 | Bulls +145
- Over/Under: Over 237.5 (-110) | Under 237.5 (-110)
Magic vs Bulls betting trend to know
Orlando is 6-4-0 ATS in their previous 10 meetings with Chicago. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Bulls.
How to watch Magic vs Bulls
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN FL, CHSN |
Magic vs Bulls latest injuries
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