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Highlights Video :
Jimmy Butler and the Bulls travel to face the struggling Orlando Magic.
The Chicago Bulls (22-23) have struggled to maintain consistency so far this season and are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. With the offseason acquisitions of perennial all-star Dwyane Wade and point guard Rajon Rondo, the Bulls seemed like they would be major contenders in the East. However, as we reach the halfway point of the NBA season, the Bulls have not looked like a team that can seriously compete in the playoffs. The most surprising stat this year to many has been the lack of team offense from the Bulls as they average 101.2 points per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the NBA. The Bulls roster certainly is talented enough to compete with the elite in the NBA, but need stronger team play if they do want to make the playoffs this year.
The Orlando Magic (18-28) have lost eight out of their last ten games and have looked out of sorts throughout the entire season. Highlighted by an ugly 20-point loss to the Warriors on Sunday the Magic’s struggles seem like they will continue for the rest of the season. A lot has to do with their inability to get consistent offense averaging only 99 points per game, which ranks 25th in the NBA. The Magic do not have a lot of top talent this year and look destined for another top-ten pick in this year's NBA draft. Even with their struggles, a couple of players on the Magic’s roster have impressed, including Evan Fournier, who is averaging a career high in points with 17 points a game. Another player that has had an impressive year is center Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging 13.7 points per game while adding 9.9 rebounds a game.
Keys to the Game
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls must exploit the injury ridden backcourt of the Orlando Magic if they stand any chance of beating the Magic. Currently, starting shooting guard Evan Fournier, Jodie Meeks, and D.J. Augustin are all dealing with injuries, leaving the Magic with only a couple of healthy guards. Meanwhile, the strength of the Bulls is their guard play behind Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade, who should be able to take advantage of the Magic’s backcourt.
Orlando Magic
The Magic must contain and limit Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade if they want to get a big win at home against the Bulls. The All-Star duo of Butler and Wade account for close to 43 percent of the Bulls' average points per game and are by far the most talented players for Chicago. If the Magic stand any chance of winning, they must keep both under 25 points.
Chicago Bulls projected starting lineup
PG Michael Carter-Williams | SG Dwayne Wade | SF Jimmy Butler | PF Taj Gibson | C Robin Lopez
Orlando Magic projected starting lineup
PG Elfrid Payton | SG C.J. Watson | SF Aaron Gordon| PF Serge Ibaka | C Nikola Vucevic
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