Jan. 2, 2026, 12:09 a.m. ET
The Orlando Magic (19-15) and Chicago Bulls (16-17) meet Friday at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Magic vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1; Bulls won 110-98 in Orlando Oct. 25 and lost 125-120 in Orlando Dec. 1
The Magic beat the Indiana Pacers 112-110 Wednesday, failing to cover as a 4.5-point road favorite with the Under (230) cashing. Orlando was led by F Paolo Banchero, who scored 29 points on 12-for-21 shooting. The Magic have traded off winning and losing in 8 straight games, going just 2-6 against the spread (ATS) in those contests. They are 13-20-1 ATS on the season.
The Bulls throttled the New Orleans Pelicans 134-118 Wednesday, covering as a 2-point home favorite as the Over (249.5) hit. Eight Chicago players scored in double figures, led by F Isaac Okoro’s 23 points on 8-for-10 shooting. The Bulls have gone 6-2 straight up and ATS over their last 8 games. They are 15-16-2 ATS on the season.
Watch the NBA on Fubo!Magic at Bulls odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:02 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Magic -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Bulls +154 (bet $100 to win $154)Against the spread (ATS): Magic -4.5 (-118) | Bulls -4.5 (-102)Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Magic at Bulls key injuries
Magic
F Jonathan Isaac (knee) questionableF Franz Wagner (high ankle) outC Mo Wagner (knee) out
Bulls
F Zach Collins (1st toe) outG Josh Giddey (hamstring) outG Coby White (calf) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Magic at Bulls picks and predictionsPrediction
Magic 118, Bulls 115
PASS.
The Magic (-175) have won 3 of their last 5 road games and have been playing much more aggressively on the offensive end. Expect them to win but avoid playing them as an expensive favorite.
BET BULLS +4.5 (-110).
Chicago is the play here. The Bulls have won 3 of their last 5 home games, only losing to the Timberwolves and Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks. Orlando isn’t at the level of either, especially without its second-leading scorer in Wagner.
The Bulls are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. Meanwhile, the Magic have failed to cover in 7 of their last 9 games, scoring 112 points or fewer in 5 of their last 6 contests.
Take BULLS +4.5 (-110).
BET UNDER 237.5 (-112).
Both sides are heavily trending towards the Under. The Magic are 1-5 O/U in their last 6 games, and they play at a relatively slow tempo, ranking 14th in pace on the season after finishing last year dead last despite having a similar roster.
The Bulls are 1-4 O/U across their last 5 games, and they have had uncharacteristic offensive shortcomings as of late, tallying 109 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games. Back UNDER 237.5 (-112).
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