Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls NBA In-Season Tournament: 3 Best Bets

After a thrilling last-second win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, the Orlando Magic again play in Chicago, this time as a part of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Coming off a narrow two-point win after going up by as much as 19, the Magic is a slight underdog in this game, which makes for some value picks.

The Magic has a healthier team than they did on Wednesday, with Gary Harris rejoining the lineup. Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. remain out. The Bulls are a different story. Dalen Terry and Lonzo Ball are for sure out, DeMar DeRozan is questionable, and Alex Caruso is probable.

Jonathan Isaac has reiterated that he is “comfortable” playing at center, but after Goga Bitazde dropped a 15-point double-double against the Bulls, Isaac might continue to see limited action.

Keeping in mind that the last game was a fluke–Orlando shot horribly–we have our picks and the odds from SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point Spread: Bulls -2.5 (-118)/Magic +2.5 (-118)

Moneyline: Bulls (-150)/Magic (+110)

Over/under: 215.5

Our Picks

Keep the good times rolling: Goga Bitazde OVER 9.5 points (-125)

After racking up season highs in points, rebounds, and minutes in Wednesday’s win, it’s safe to say that this is Goga’s team. The Georgian center has been effective since taking over the starting job and continues to be criminally underrated by sportsbooks. In fact, his odds of recording another double-double are +310, so if you want to get extra frisky, that’s a decent value for a bonus pick.

Opponent pick: Zach LaVine OVER 22.5 points (-125)

Regardless of whether DeRozan plays or not, LaVine has been in a bit of a slump recently, scoring 19, 20, and 19 in his last three games. LaVine is the type of player who has one solution to snapping a cold streak: shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Over those three games, LaVine is averaging 16.3 field goals, only one fewer than his season average. Eventually, the shots have to start falling, and the points go back to normal.

Jalen Suggs 'Game-Time Decision' vs. Bulls

Team pick: Magic to win (+110)

The Chicago Bulls are not a good basketball team this year. They only have four wins compared to Orlando’s six. I understand that winning two games on the road to the same opponent is hard to do, but the Magic is just the better team, making this a fairly safe pick given the positive odds.