The Orlando Magic (44-36) and Chicago Bulls (31-49) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The game will be broadcast live on CHSN.
The Magic are 14.5-point favorites over the Bulls on the spread (Magic -14.5), with the over/under set at 242.5 total points. Orlando is a -1050 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Chicago is +675 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Bulls predictions and NBA picks for Friday, April 10.
Magic vs Bulls Prediction, Pick
- Magic vs Bulls pick: Over 242.5 (-110)
My Bulls vs. Magic best bet is on the game to go over 242.5 total points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Magic vs Bulls Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -115 | 242.5 -110o / -110u | -1050 |
| Bulls Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -105 | 242.5 -110o / -110u | +675 |
Magic vs Bulls NBA Preview
While this total might feel steep for a matchup involving the Magic, the situational motivation and the current state of both defenses suggest we are headed for a shootout.
First, we have to look at the motivation factor for the Magic. They are still actively competing for postseason positioning, and things have started to break their way late in the season. The 76ers losing recently opened up a massive opportunity for Orlando.
While the Raptors winning tonight wasn't exactly ideal for their path, the Magic still have a legitimate chance to grab the 8-seed.
In the current Play-In format, moving into that 8-spot is the difference between having two shots to make the playoffs or facing a win-or-go-home scenario immediately.
I expect them to play with an aggressive, high-possession urgency to secure that advantage.
When you look at the Bulls, the handicap is simple: the defense has been atrocious. However, their offense remains dangerous because they have a rotation of guards who are consistently able to generate high-quality looks and create their own shots.
On the flip side, one of my favorite angles this season has been that the Magic’s defensive reputation is currently a bit overrated. They haven’t been nearly as sensational on that end of the floor as they were over the last three or four seasons.
The market is still pricing Orlando like an elite defensive unit, but the data tells a different story.
Magic vs Bulls Predictions, Betting Analysis
My projections for this game are significantly higher than the market consensus.
I have the Magic projected to score 94 points in the half-court alone in this game — one of the highest numbers I’ve given them all season — and overall, I have Orlando projected to put up 119 points.
When you combine Orlando's offensive floor in this spot with a Bulls team that can score but refuses to stop anyone, the Over becomes a very strong play.
We are catching a number that doesn't fully account for Orlando's desperation or Chicago's defensive collapse. Give me the Over at 242.5 total points.
Pick: Over 242.5 (-110)
