Tonight the Orlando Magic travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls in a matchup of surprise teams so far. The Magic, despite trading superstar Dwight Howard, come into this game with a flawless 2-0 record. Neither of their games have been close as they have blown out both presumed-contender Denver and the lowly Phoenix Suns. They are averaging 108.5 points per game so far and have been led by Glen “Big Baby” Davis averaging 25.5 points per game.
Chicago has been excellent so far as well. They enter this game with a 2-1 record after beating the Kings and Cavaliers before a rare home loss to New Orleans. The Bulls, like always, are winning with defense. They are allowing only 87.3 points per game, good for second in the league. Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls will be able to compete with anyone if they maintain this level of defense.
Betting Preview: Bulls (-9) vs. Magic
You really shouldn’t take much from the first few games in the season from a gambling perspective. Just because Oklahoma City is 1-2 and Milwaukee is 2-0 doesn’t mean that the Bucks are better than Thunder. Anything can happen with such a small sample size. As far as you should be concerned, these are the same teams we thought they were before the season started.
In the case of these two teams, it’s a pretty cut and dry pick. The Bulls, even without Derrick Rose, are a playoff team. They play elite defense and protect their home court as well as anybody. Orlando is a team devoid of talent and looking to rebuild. Glen Davis and JJ Reddick aren’t going to play like superstars all season because they aren’t superstars. They’re due for a meltdown, and a road game in Chicago against the cagey Bulls seems like the right opportunity for one. Even giving nine points you should feel comfortable taking the Bulls.
The Pick: Bulls -9 (5Dimes.eu)
Chicago Bulls betting • Orlando Magic betting