Middling Eastern Conference rivals collide on Friday night, as the Chicago Bulls host the Orlando Magic at the United Center.
The Magic (19–15, 6th East) batted .500 in December but ended 2025 on a high note with a win in Indiana. The Bulls (16–19, 9th East) followed up a brutal seven-game slide with seven wins in their last 10 games, though they’ll enter Friday’s contest with multiple key players sidelined.
The teams have already met twice in Orlando this season, with the Magic avenging their Oct. 25 loss with a win on Dec. 1.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Orlando Magic
- Out: Franz Wagner (Ankle), Moritz Wagner (Knee)
- Questionable: Jonathan Isaac (Knee)
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Josh Giddey (Hamstring), Coby White (Calf), Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder), Trentyn Flowers (Knee), Emanuel Miller (Hamstring), Lachlan Olbrich (Ankle)
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Orlando enters as a 4.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Chicago is listed as a +170 underdog. The game’s total is set at 232.5 points.
Magic vs. Bulls Preview
Orlando Magic Preview
The Magic haven’t lived up to their name since their last encounter with the Bulls. Despite beating Chicago on Dec. 1, Orlando went a middling 7–7 for the month, ranking 20th in net rating and owning one of the NBA’s five worst offenses.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando’s leading scorer in Franz Wagner’s absence, mustered just 18.9 points per game in December while shooting 42.5% from the field and a miserable 22% from three. While Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Jalen Suggs each added comparable production, the Magic shot a collective 32.2% from deep — the worst mark in the league.
Chicago Bulls Preview
Chicago also struggled in December, finishing with a 23rd-ranked net rating for the month despite winning seven of its last ten games. Now, the Bulls will start 2026 without several key contributors.
Josh Giddey, who leads the team with 19.2 points, nine assists, and 8.9 rebounds per game, is expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to injury. Coby White, Chicago’s second-most reliable scorer, and veteran forward Zach Collins are also expected to miss time.
Without Giddey and White, the Bulls will have to reinvent their game, likely leaning on former All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic and rookie forward Matas Buzelis — neither of whom averages more than 16 points per game.
Magic vs. Bulls Pick, Best Bet
Orlando’s offense was miserable in December — but next to a Chicago team missing Josh Giddey and Coby White, it could mirror the Penny and Shaq days. Expect the Magic to find their rhythm against the severely understaffed Bulls and cover the modest 4.5-point spread as they take a 2–1 lead in the season series.
