Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions March 6th 2025

Magic Seeking Confidence Boost Against Bulls

Orlando star Paolo Banchero believes the Magic need to do some soul-searching to regain their “swag” as they prepare to host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.

Magic Trying to End Homestand on a High Note

Thursday’s matchup marks the end of a seven-game homestand for Orlando. What began as an opportunity to climb above .500 has turned into a desperate attempt to avoid a fifth straight loss. The Magic suffered another heartbreaking defeat on Tuesday, falling 114-113 to the Toronto Raptors for the second time in three days, with both losses decided by a combined three points.

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“We’ve got to do some soul-searching, just try to figure it out,” Banchero said after the latest loss. “The good thing about a time like this is that really, the only way you can go is up. We’ve just got to come together and figure out a way for everybody to play with that confidence, play with that swag.”

Banchero was a bright spot against Toronto, delivering a stellar 41-point, eight-rebound, and eight-assist performance. However, the Magic struggled in the third quarter, getting outscored 31-19, including a devastating 22-4 Raptors run.

“Those third quarters have been killing us for the last five, six games,” Banchero admitted. “We have to find a way to come out of the locker room with more energy, more execution.”

Head coach Jamahl Mosley remains confident in his team’s ability to respond against Chicago.

“We’re going to keep fighting,” Mosley said. “That’s the spirit of the Orlando Magic. This is a tough stretch right now, but you have to look reality in the face and say, ‘What am I going to do when it gets difficult?’”

Bulls Struggling to Find Answers

The Bulls have also hit a rough patch, losing nine of their last 11 games, including a 139-117 home defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Despite their struggles, Chicago remains in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, holding a 2.5-game lead over Brooklyn and Philadelphia.

Coby White (25 points), Talen Horton-Tucker (22), and Zach Collins (20) provided scoring in the loss, but Chicago was again shorthanded. The Bulls were without Josh Giddey (quadriceps), Lonzo Ball (wrist), Kevin Huerter (knee), and Ayo Dosunmu, who is out for the season following shoulder surgery.

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Chicago squandered a 15-point lead, trailing 96-94 after three quarters before collapsing in the fourth, getting outscored 43-23.

“It may have been, quite honestly, too much for our guys,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “Our guys competed, they played hard. I loved the effort, but it just got away from us there.”

The Bulls and Magic split their two previous meetings this season, though Orlando has won six of the last seven matchups.

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