The Magic (8-14) can desperately use a jolt of energy after going 2-12 in their last 14 games. The short-handed Magic's biggest struggle since losing multiple starters to injury has been their inability to create open looks at the basket. Markkanen is moving around the floor. it will apply to data controlled jointly by the NBA and WarnerMedia as well as other data controlled by WarnerMedia. This site is operated jointly by NBA and WarnerMedia. It’s hard to split these two struggling teams, but the Bulls look slightly better with LaVine having a … I give (Bulls President and COO) Michael Reinsdorf a lot of credit for hiring (Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations) Arturas Karnisovas and (General Manager) Marc Eversley, in turn hiring Billy Donovan. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Magic would beat the Indiana Pacers in a tough 7-game series that saw the home team win every game. Follow all the updates, stats, highlights, and odds on the Bulls vs. Magic game on Feb 05, 2021 The over is 33-16-2 in Magic last 51 overall. You look at the depth right now of the Bulls and they’ve got some really quality players. ... Also - Fournier gets to play all over Zach - but Bulls getting called for ticky-tack crap on Anthony Cole on the other end. 2 game series, Bulls @ Magic , February 5th, 6th, 2021, 7:00 PM ET. Manage Preferences, Vucevic, LaVine lead Bulls past Nets to end losing skid, LaVine explodes for 39 as Bulls cruise past Magic, Keys to the Game: Bulls at Magic (02.06.21), Keys to the Game: Bulls vs Nets (04.04.21), Keys to the Game: Bulls at Jazz (04.02.21). As high-powered as they've been on offense, the Bulls turn the ball over way too many times (17.2). ... Coby White turns me out from watching Bulls games. Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Last night in the opener, the Magic staved off a furious Chicago rally … He’s attacking the rim, very aggressive going to the basket. However, on the other side of the ball, the Bulls have plenty of work still to do, as they're surrendering 117.1 points (27th), and opponents are connecting on 47.9% of their shots (26th). Orlando trailed 64-60 at halftime and even led 77- 74 midway through the third quarter. the NBA Privacy Center, it will apply to data controlled independently by the NBA. In Game 5, the Magic won the game 103–95. I’m very confident that I can be a spark on the defensive and offensive end. The University of Auburn alum fired off a career-best 10 points while going 4-for-5 from the floor in 15 minutes of action. Thaddeus Young has been incredible coming off the bench. He was named the 2019-20 G League MVP after playing in 23 games with the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 26.4 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per contest, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from three-point range. “I thought we had a good spirit today,” Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier said after the team’s practice session. He’s defensively tremendous. If you make a request through the WarnerMedia Privacy Center, “Getting better each game and just bring effort and energy on the defensive end, offensive end, however I can as a teammate.”. I expect this game to go Over the total with two teams that can play effectively when pushing the pace. LaVine scores 39 points to lift Bulls past Magic, 118-92 — Zach LaVine bounced back from a poor performance a night earlier and scored 39 points Saturday as the Chicago Bulls routed the injury-plagued Orlando Magic 118-92. UP NEXT. The Bulls have been competitive in nearly every game this season, but at times have struggled down the stretch. Privacy Act, please use the links below to visit each company’s privacy center. That’s what we needed and hopefully (against the Bulls) we can take a step.”. May 21, 1996 Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic game 2 best plays Predicting close game with Vuc and Fournier scoring a lot and Ross caught the fire. Thaddeus is posting up. The 6'11", 260-pound Vučević was an All-Star in 2018-19. He has a great handle to the rim. And coaching is important in the NBA and the Bulls have a great one. Re: Bulls @ Magic , February 5th, 2021, 7:00 PM ET Post #233 » by HomoSapien » Sat Feb 6, 2021 1:38 am This team obviously has a lot of things that it needs … When you add Williams along with (Zach) LaVine, (Coby) White, (Lauri) Markkanen, that entire group, I think the future is very bright. 15 with the Magic. Thus, a primary key every game for the Bulls is to play fast, but as mentioned, they can't come up empty on 17 or more possessions due to careless turnovers. I’m not sure Otto Porter Jr. is going to play on Friday because of a back situation. I’m looking forward to getting out there.” – Mason, who will wear No. Anthony clocks in at 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game. He has flirted with three triple-doubles in a row. The Bulls and the Orlando Magic tip-off a back-to-back mini-series this evening in the Magic Kingdom. Chicago found its stroke in the second quarter, shooting 12-of-21 (57.1%) and 4-of-10 (40.0%) from deep, but the Knicks were able to hold their own and led by 11 at the half. RIVALS REPORT: In this edition of our Rivals Report series, we’re joined by the legendary Chuck Swirsky. “Chief (Aminu) has (made progress) and we feel like he’s a lot closer,” Clifford explained. When he needs to go big, when everyone is healthy, he can go big. The Magic are hoping that the University of Kansas alum, who officially signed a two-way deal on Wednesday, can provide an additional scoring punch and added backcourt experience to a second unit that’s struggled since point guard Markelle Fultz went down with a season-ending injury and rookie Cole Anthony was elevated to the starting lineup. For the Bulls, Otto Porter Jr. (back spasms) is doubtful, while Wendell Carter Jr. (right quadricep contusion), Devon Dotson (G League), and Adam Mokoka (not with team) are all out. Terms of Use | (Daniel) Gafford right now is starting. Box Score - Orlando Magic (108) vs. Chicago Bulls (102) - May 18, 1995 In their most recent loss to New York on Wednesday, the Bulls had a rough shooting night early, opening the game 8-of-21 (38.1%) from the field overall and 0-of-8 (0.0%) from behind the arc, and trailed the Knicks 34-17 after 12 minutes. The team had just two 30-assist outings all last year. Without question, the Bulls need to find a way to tighten things up defensively if they want to be a playoff team. Accessibility and Closed Caption | “In our situation, he’ll be playing big minutes here in these two games this weekend,” Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford explained. Chicago comes in having just split a pair of games … LaVine bounced back from an uneven performance and scored 39 points on Saturday as the Chicago Bulls routed the injury-plagued Magic, 118-92. Box Score - Orlando Magic (88) vs. Chicago Bulls (93) - May 21, 1996 They are rejuvenated now and this fanbase has really come to life anticipating great days ahead.”, Savage: “We just got done talking to Steve Clifford and one of the things he spoke about was how impressed he’s been with Billy Donovan’s flexibility as a coach, and that he's running some stuff differently than some of his past teams with the Oklahoma City Thunder in order to maximize his personnel in Chicago. Zach LaVine has not only become a great scorer – as we all knew that to be the case, really when he came into the league with Minnesota – but you’re looking at LaVine now as a facilitator. If you look closely and pay attention to the little things, you'll see the Bulls have gotten better in these areas. Vucevic leads Magic over Bulls 97-91 in Mexico City. Markannen makes 2 late free throws, Bulls beat Magic 110-109. Box Score - Chicago Bulls (106) vs. Orlando Magic (101) - May 27, 1996 We need to be on the same page collectively defensively and offensively. However, due to Fultz tearing his ACL earlier in the season, and now with Gordon sidelined for multiple weeks, the Magic has had to rely on their 20-year-old first-year guard to direct the offense. Lauri Markkanen scored a season-high 32 points and the Chicago Bulls won for just the third time in 15 games, beating the Orlando Magic 90-80 on Friday night. But one thing about Billy is he’s utilizing the players’ strengths. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. They’ve gotten better because Billy Donovan has put these players in a position whether it’s Markkanen, Williams, LaVine, White, Young, Temple, Denzel Valentine has come to life along with (Tomáš) Satoranský. “He did a good job in practice (on Thursday). I think what Billy has done is he’s playing small, if he has to play big, he’ll play big, but I again come back to coaching. What would you say are some of the defining characteristics of this Bulls team?”, Swirsky: “Tons of ball movement, screens, the ball does not stick in the hands of one player. To much payne. WarnerMedia Privacy Center | So far this season the Magic are 6-9 against Eastern Conference foes, while the Bulls are 4-5. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. In their last game Tuesday at the Amway Center, the Magic fell victim to Rockford, IL native Fred VanVleet's career-high 54 points to lead Toronto to a 128-103 victory. Just the way the whole system flows from an offensive standpoint has been great.”, Savage: “One thing I’ve noticed about this Bulls team in watching them this season is they seem to be very versatile playing bigger at times and at times as you’ve mentioned playing smaller with Young at the five. On the whole, Chicago is averaging 114.8 points (7th) and shooting an impressive 47.7% overall from the field (7th), including 37.5% (11th) from behind the three-point arc. Markkanen scores 32, Bulls beat Magic 90-80. KEY STAT: The bright spot from the Magic’s loss to the Raptors on Tuesday was the return of rookie Chuma Okeke, who missed the prior 16 games with a bone bruise in his left knee. However, Toronto responded with a 14-0 run and never looked back. Swirsky also contributes an in-season column on Bulls.com and is inducted into three Halls of Fame: Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the WGN Walk of Fame. Power forward Lauri Markkanen is Chicago's second option, with 19.6 points as well as 6.2 boards, while second-year playmaker Coby White chips in 15.3 points and 5.7 assists a game. They hope that Wednesday’s much-needed off day and Thursday’s practice session will help rejuvenate their squad as they prepare for two straight contests against a Bulls (8-12) team that ranks top eight in the NBA in points (114.8) and assists (26.1) per game as well as effective field goal percentage (55.4 percent). The Bulls are missing starting pivot Wendell Carter Jr. for at least the next three weeks (maybe longer) with a serious right quadriceps injury, and veteran forward Otto Porter Jr., who will sit tonight because of a balky back. Copyright © 2021 NBA Media Ventures, LLC. For the third game in a row, Billy Donovan called an early timeout -- this one, 2:36 into the contest compared to 103 and 50 seconds in in the two previous games. QUOTE TO NOTE: “I definitely do believe (I can provide a boost). All rights reserved. Summary and statistics for the 1996 NBA Eastern Conference Finals - Magic vs. Bulls Have you seen that element and how are the Bulls utilizing personnel in that way?”, Swirsky: “Billy Donovan, number one, he has put players in the right position. The Magic are just 1-5 ATS in their last six home games and 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall, while the Bulls are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. He was generous enough to take the time and provide his insight on the state of the Bulls. Nikola Vučević led the Magic with 21 points and 18 rebounds. Six of Chicago's 12 losses have been by less than five points. If you make a request through the WarnerMedia Privacy Center, This season Chicago has played unselfish ball, recording six games of 30 or more assists. | Aaron Gordon (left ankle sprain), Fultz (torn ACL, left knee), and Jonathan Isaac (left knee rehabilitation) are also all listed as out. Follow all the updates, stats, highlights, and odds on the Bulls vs. Magic game on Feb 06, 2021 He’s played quite a bit of NBA basketball particularly two years ago in Sacramento (and) I’ve talked to other people who’ve coached him who really like him.”. “This league is all about opportunity (and) I’m blessed to be able to step right into an opportunity to come in to play the backup point guard position. it will apply to data controlled jointly by the NBA and WarnerMedia as well as other data controlled by WarnerMedia. This site is operated jointly by NBA and WarnerMedia. They are starting the youngest player in the NBA in Patrick Williams out of Florida State, as you know. The Magic have the worst expected field goal rating in the league at 49.4%. Chicago comes in having just split a pair of games against the New York Knicks back home at the United Center, while Orlando hits the hardwood having lost six of its last seven, including three-straight at home. As for Orlando, their injury list is long. The Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Bulls: Open a three-game homestand on Monday against Washington. The Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic complete a back-to-back-mini-set this evening in Orlando. Karim Mane (G League/two-way) is also not available. The Bulls starters came out of the gates slow in this one. If you make a request through The Magic were off to their first ever NBA Finals. ORLANDO -- Frank Mason III will make his Orlando Magic debut on Friday when the team hosts the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. the NBA Privacy Center, it will apply to data controlled independently by the NBA. Bulls vs Magic, 4-0 - 1996 Eastern Conference Finals Team and players stats from the Eastern Conference Finals series played between the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic in the 1996 Playoffs. The under is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 overall. NBA Privacy Center | WarnerMedia Privacy Center | However, this time around, the Bulls have done a terrific job of moving the ball, which has made their offense potent and forced opponents to take notice. Vucevic nets career-best 43 points, Magic beat Bulls 123-119 — Nikola Vucevic scored a career-best with 43 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as the Orlando Magic rallied late and beat the Chicago Bulls 123-119 Friday night, snapping a four-game losing streak. Not only with the hiring of Billy Donovan, but also the player development staff. Another major issue for Chicago has been its failure to reliably take care of the ball. Another vital facet of the game the Bulls must continue to fine tune is its ability to communicate effectively, as well as trust one another at both ends of the floor. In the last game against New York, Chicago committed a season low nine turnovers, and held New York to 107 points, so, anything is possible! The Orlando Magic dropped Game 2 of their 1995 playoff semi-final series to the Chicago Bulls at home, and face a daunting trip to the Windy City next. The Orlando Magic will face off against the Chicago Bulls on their home court, Amway Center, this Friday night. But in terms of how Billy has utilized, especially if you go right down the list, and you look at the players, every one of these players – I think I said this – has gotten better. I’m just looking to be successful and do whatever the team needs me to do so we can get wins.”. This will be the first of a two-game set, … They really do.”, Copyright © 2021 NBA Media Ventures, LLC. As soon as he goes to primary PG - … | Smart, quick passing helps to free up paths to the basket, as well as uncontested jump-shots around the three-point arc. All rights reserved. Number two is that these players, the chemistry is outstanding. If anything is certain, for the Bulls to succeed this season they must get off to a strong start and freely share the ball, making it hop from player-to-player and keep everyone involved in the action. Lavine and Lauri with big games, and will came to the wire. Orlando has a mismatch down low with Nikola Vucevic while both the Bulls and Magic's guards can run-and-gun. Rookie Cole Anthony has become a key player for Orlando. To opt out of the sale of your personal information as permitted by the California Consumer Prior to the season, Anthony was expected to come off the bench behind Fultz and provide the second unit with some offensive punch. And, this is a work in progress, but every player on the Bulls has improved from a year ago in large part because of the coaching of Billy and his staff. Both Chicago and the Magic are currently dealing with injuries to key players. Chicago has also been a solid road team, splitting 10 games, going 3-1 against the East and 2-4 vs. the West. As mentioned earlier, if the Bulls can keep turnovers in check, and continue to hustle and battle on both the offensive and defensive boards, as well as deliver gritty efforts in going hard after every loose ball and long rebound, they'll give themselves a great opportunity to come out on top tonight against the Orlando Magic. Swirsky: “The first thing we have to address when we look at the Bulls is the head coach Billy Donovan. 2 game series, Bulls @ Magic , February 5th, 6th, 2021, 7:00 PM ET. Mason was originally selected in the second round, 34th overall, of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Kings. Nikola Vučević is Orlando's primary scoring threat, as he leads the way with a team-high 22.5 points and 11.2 rebounds, followed by veteran wing Evan Fournier (17.6 points). … Vucevic was flattered that Shaquille O’Neal congratulated him on joining the Hall of Fame center and Dwight Howard as the only Magic players to compile at least 43 points and 19 rebounds in a game. To opt out of the sale of your personal information as permitted by the California Consumer They can't relax and permit the opposition to slip into a comfort zone and dictate the pace of the game. With the absence of Carter, Young has been playing the five. Nikola Vucevic scored 26 points, including a tiebreaking jumper with 28 seconds remaining, and the Orlando Magic snapped a three-game losing streak with a 97-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night in their first of two games in Mexico. The Bulls and the Orlando Magic tip-off a back-to-back mini-series this evening in the Magic Kingdom. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls at 26.5 points per contest. The Over is also 6-2 in Bulls last eight road games versus a team with a losing home record (Magic 4-7). He not only takes up a lot of space and scores down low, he's also got a smooth jumper behind the arc, attempting a little over six long distance shots per game and hitting 43.3%. They’ve gone small. In their last 10 against Orlando, the Bulls are 7-3. INJURY UPDATE: Al-Farouq Aminu (right knee rehabilitation) and Michael Carter-Williams (sprained left foot) are both listed as out for Friday’s game against the Bulls, but Clifford did provide updates on their status after Thursday’s practice session. That’s number one. Constant ball and player movement, in and out of the paint, and all around the arc, will produce a free-flowing rhythm and force opponents to scramble and blow defensive assignments. To that end, they must continue to go all out and deliver a hardnosed effort. He’s done a magnificent job putting players in the right place to succeed. When he’s looking at the new-age NBA when teams are going small ball, he can play small ball. Swirsky is in his 13th season as the Bulls radio play-by-play announcer and his 23rd season broadcasting games in the NBA. Accessibility and Closed Caption | I think it’s important to also recognize that ownership and management did an outstanding job in the offseason. All-in-all, Chicago's slow start cost them the game in the end, as they were able to outshoot New York 54.5% to 30.0% in the fourth quarter, and outscore them 27-16, but it was too little, too late, as the Knicks hung on for a 107-103 victory. Manage Preferences, Photos of the Night: Magic vs. Nuggets (4/4), Magic Unable to Hold Off Nuggets Down the Stretch, Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets: Game Preview, Photos of the Night: Magic vs. Jazz (4/3), Shorthanded Magic Unable to Keep Up With Red-Hot Jazz. At that juncture, the Bulls trailed 12-4 and Nikola Vučević had 10 points and 2 3s. Sitting out and most likely again tomorrow are: forward Al-Farouq Aminu with a bum right knee; guard Michael Carter-Williams with a sprained left foot; guard Markelle Fultz with a torn left ACL; forward Aaron Gordon with a high left ankle sprain; and power forward Jonathan Isaac, who is still sidelined recovering from left knee surgery. Privacy Act, please use the links below to visit each company’s privacy center. Coby playing well when he is in the scoring / off-ball role. ET for the first contest of two straight meetings between the squads on back-to-back nights at Amway Center. If you make a request through ET for the first contest of … Terms of Use | He’s brought strength. “I just want to make everybody around me better,” Okeke said. Select a time that works best for your busy schedule and we will remind you via email. Thaddeus comes in for him. Do Not Sell My Personal Information | “It’s great,” Mason said. “I think MCW, since his setback, he’s still got some things to do, but (Director of High Performance) Lindsay (Winninger) feels a lot better about where Chief is at and we’re hopeful that he may be able to play on the West Coast trip.”. That is 4.3% lower than league average (per cleaningtheglass.com). Re: Bulls @ Magic , February 5th, 2021, 7:00 PM ET Post #253 » by HomoSapien » Sat Feb 6, 2021 1:45 am This game will test how little faith BD has in Felicio/Kornet. If they can cut down those miscues to a more practical number (12 to 13 per game), and their overall defense stiffens, especially down in the paint, the Bulls could make a serious postseason run. Gafford is a rim protector and a shot blocker. ORLANDO -- Frank Mason III will make his Orlando Magic debut on Friday when the team hosts the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. Jordan had 40 points and seven rebounds in that Game 3, but he turned the ball over four times against a Magic defense that limited the Bulls to 44.2 percent shooting. The Magic would eliminate the Bulls in Game 6 as the Magic won 108–102 to advance to the Conference Finals. Magic: Fournier missed nine games with back spasms between Jan. 2-18. “And it felt good to practice and work on our stuff. I think that was truly the first step with the Bulls. NBA Privacy Center | Post #1 » by fleet » Thu Feb 4, 2021 11:26 pm . Savage: “For Magic fans who haven’t watched the Bulls as closely, what have been some of the strengths of this team to start the season?”. 2 game series, Bulls @ Magic , February 5th, 6th, 2021, 7:00 PM ET . They’ve increased numbers with some really quality people, and I think it’s going to bode well not only for this season, but for seasons to come with the Bulls. The 5-foot-11 floor general has played in 99 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento and Milwaukee, averaging 6.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game.