Having lost five of their last six games, the Chicago Bulls are in desperate need of a win to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, their next matchup against the Eastern Conference bottom-feeder Orlando Magic should be exactly the opportunity this team has been looking for.
Although Orlando appears on a collision course with the bottom of the standings in their attempt to tank for phenom prospect Victor Wembanyama, beating the Bulls wouldn’t be a worst-case scenario for them. Owners of Chicago’s 2023 first-round pick, a win tonight for Orlando would only stand to improve the draft position of their second selection.
With their blossoming rookie Paolo Banchero expected to miss the next one to two weeks, however, winning tonight will be easier said than done for a shorthanded Magic team.
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
- Date: November 18, 2022
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m CT
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, NBA TV
- Stream: FuboTV
Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic, Spread, Over/Under
- Favorite: Bulls (-9)
- Over/under: 222.5 points
- Moneyline: -390 Chicago/+310 Orlando
Gambling odds and information courtesy of FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Displayed odds current as of Friday at 7:30 a.m. CT.
Projected Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup and Injury Report
- PG: Ayo Dosunmu
- SG: Zach LaVine
- SF: DeMar DeRozan
- PF: Patrick Williams
- C: Nikola Vucevic
- IR: Out – Lonzo Ball; Questionable – Coby White, Patrick Williams
With Coby White and Patrick Williams both listed as questionable for tonight, the Bulls will have an interesting decision on their hands. Should Pat be unavailable to play, they can slot JaVonte Green in his place, or allow Alex Caruso to play shooting guard while bumping LaVine and DeRozan down a position in the starting five.
Considering Chicago’s struggles have lied with the starters, and not the bench unit, perhaps a little shake-up could stand to really benefit this team.
Bulls upgrade Coby White to questionable and list Patrick Williams as same with sprained right ankle.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 17, 2022
Game Predictions
I know wins haven’t been easy to come by lately, but if the Bulls can’t defeat an actively-tanking Magic team without their best player, then things will almost assuredly take a turn for the worst. If they drop this game, I can already see the hot takes calling for Donovan’s job and overreactions asking for the front office to blow it all up. Let’s hope Chicago plays to their capabilities and prevents such a scenario from happening.
My predictions: (6-9)
Bulls Upcoming Games
- Nov. 21 vs Boston Celtics (12-3)
- Nov. 23 @ Milwaukee Bucks (11-3)
- Nov. 25 @ OKC Thunder (7-8)