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Magic Must Make Do Without Jalen Suggs vs. Bulls
After blowing a double-digit fourth-quarter lead on Friday night, the Orlando Magic have little time to dwell. They’re right back at it Saturday, hosting the Chicago Bulls at Kia Center, but they’ll have to do it without one of their emotional leaders — Jalen Suggs.
Suggs, who has been carefully managed after returning from knee surgery, will sit out the second game of Orlando’s early-season back-to-back. For head coach Jamahl Mosley, that means testing his rotation depth early against a rested Bulls team coming off a tight win over Detroit.
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Game Information
Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
Venue: Kia Center – Orlando, FL
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: CHSN
Odds: Magic -6.0 (-112) | Bulls +6.0 (-109) | O/U 232
For updated lines, player props, and betting trends, visit the NBA Odds page on ScoresAndStats.
Orlando Magic
The Magic enter their second straight home game with a 1-1 record, following a narrow 111-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They’ll once again rely heavily on Franz Wagner, who led the way with 27 points on nearly 59% shooting, and new acquisition Desmond Bane, who’s still finding rhythm from deep.
Bane, brought in to elevate Orlando’s perimeter shooting, scored 23 in the season opener but struggled on Friday (1-for-7 from three). With Suggs sidelined, Bane and rookie Tristan da Silva will be asked to create more offense while Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero anchor the interior.
Despite the loss, Orlando’s core remains strong. The Magic currently rank top 10 in free throws attempted (4th) and free throws made (6th) — a sign of their physical, attacking style. They’ve also been efficient defensively, holding opponents to just 10 three-pointers made per game (5th fewest) and the 10th-best opponent three-point percentage (31.2%).
This defensive identity will be crucial against a Bulls squad that relies on spacing and veteran shot creation.
You can find full team metrics, advanced splits, and lineup trends on the NBA Teams hub.
Chicago Bulls
While Orlando adjusts without Suggs, the Bulls come in rested and confident after their 115-111 season-opening win over the Detroit Pistons. Center Nikola Vučević was the story of that night, dropping 28 points and 14 rebounds — including four three-pointers — in a vintage performance that reminded fans of his Orlando days.
Saturday marks Vucevic’s latest return to the building where he spent nine seasons and became one of the league’s most versatile big men. “I don’t think I’ve shown any signs of slowing down,” he joked after the opener. The Bulls will again lean on his inside-out production and improved chemistry with young forward Matas Buzelis, who tallied 21 points in his debut.
Defensively, Chicago looked sharp against Detroit, holding them to just seven made threes and limiting long-range attempts — a blueprint that could frustrate a Magic team already struggling from deep. The Bulls also ranked top 10 in possessions and rebounds per game, giving them the pace control and second-chance strength to compete even when shots aren’t falling.
Explore all player stat splits, betting matchups, and historical head-to-head data on the NBA Picks page.
Betting Insights and Trends
Both teams come in emphasizing defense and rebounding, which could make pace and efficiency the deciding factors. Orlando’s perimeter defense has been elite early, while Chicago’s ability to protect the three-point line has carried over from last season.
Key Betting Trends:
- Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
- Magic are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games at home.
- The Under has hit in five of Orlando’s last seven games against Central Division opponents.
- Chicago is 8-3 to the Under in its last 11 games following a win.
The line opened with the Magic favored by six, largely due to home advantage, but Suggs’ absence adds volatility. The Bulls’ ability to defend the three and Vucevic’s interior scoring make them a live underdog.
For betting projections and real-time consensus data, visit the Expert NBA Betting Guide.
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Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is more than just an early-season measuring stick — it’s a contrast in styles. Orlando thrives on physicality, paint touches, and free throws, while Chicago uses spacing and veteran IQ to dictate pace.
If the Magic dominate the boards and get downhill early, they can control the tempo. But without Suggs, Orlando’s perimeter defense may take a step back, opening the door for Coby White and Zach LaVine to stretch the floor and generate rhythm for Chicago’s shooters.
Vucevic’s matchup against Carter Jr. is pivotal — a battle between mentor and successor that could decide the outcome. Expect Orlando to use Banchero’s size to punish mismatches, while Chicago relies on late-game experience to stay composed in clutch time.
Prediction
The Bulls are rested, efficient, and facing a Magic team short-handed and on tired legs. Orlando’s home-court advantage will keep it close early, but Chicago’s spacing and Vucevic’s shooting could tilt the balance in the fourth quarter.
Projected Final Score: Chicago Bulls 111, Orlando Magic 107
Best Bets: Bulls +6 | Under 232
For live updates, injury news, and in-game betting trends, head to the ScoresAndStats NBA Odds Hub.
