The Orlando Magic (19-15) and Chicago Bulls (16-17) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The game will broadcast live on CHSN.
The Magic are 5-point favorites over the Bulls on the spread (Magic -5), with the over/under set at 233.5 total points. Orlando is a -184 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Chicago is +160 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Bulls predictions and NBA picks for Friday, January 2.
Magic vs Bulls Prediction, Picks
- Magic vs Bulls pick: Bulls First Half Moneyline (+130)
My Bulls vs Magic best bet is on the Bulls first half moneyline, with the best price currently available at FanDuel. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Magic vs Bulls Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 233.5 -110o / -110u | -184 |
| Bulls Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 233.5 -110o / -110u | +160 |
Magic vs Bulls NBA Preview
Our Bet Labs "1H Dog vs Coasting Teams" system recommends backing the underdog Bulls to win the first half tonight against the Magic.
In its previous home game, Chicago won the first half by a 5-point margin against the Pelicans.
The Bulls are 4-6 in their last 10 games against the spread in the first half.
At the United Center, the Bulls have a 9-8 record, but more importantly, they are on the rise, having won seven of their last 10 games overall.
Back Chicago early tonight at home against Orlando.
Magic vs Bulls Prediction, Betting Analysis
This system focuses on NBA first-half moneyline opportunities in which strong teams often start slowly against inferior opponents.
During the regular season, underdogs with modest Pythagorean ratings face elite opponents with high win records who may be pacing themselves or conserving energy early in games.
These matchups frequently occur when the superior team is in cruise control, relying on second-half adjustments rather than urgency in the opening quarters.
Meanwhile, the underdog typically plays with early intensity and effort, creating value in short-term situations before talent disparity takes over.
By isolating first halves against top competition, this system leverages motivational imbalance and situational focus to identify profitable early game edges.
Pick: Bulls First Half Moneyline (+130)
