PREMIUM
Rogers' Monday TOTAL MASSACRE >> 37-25 Overall Run!
(NBA) Orlando vs. Chicago,
Total: 214.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
Total: 214.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
The set-up: The 18-37 Orlando Magic used a three-game winning streak to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement but saw that mini-streak end in Saturday's 111-104 home loss to the Bucks. The Magic will try to get back on the winning track Monday night in Chicago, when they face the 19-36 Bulls. Chicago ended a seven-game slide with a 114-113 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday but could not make it two in a row, as the Bulls fell 101-90 at home to the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back.
Orlando: The Magic began sharing the ball more during the winning streak and handed out another 23 assists in Saturday's loss, something that coach Frank Vogel sees as a positive development. "This is what my teams should look like and this is what I demand of them," Vogel told reporters. The Magic hope to move forward with PF Gordon (18. & 8.3), SF Fournier (17.9) and center Vucevic (17.4 & 9.7). However, Gordon (hip flexor) has sat out the last seven games and is questionable to return before the All-Star break and Vucevic hasn't played since right before Christmas (hand). Shooting guard Mario Hezonja (8.2) scored a team-high 23 points on Saturday but impressed Vogel more with his work on the defensive end, where he collected three steals and did not shy away from physicality. However, Hezonja's big night couldn't quite make up for an off night from small forward Jonathan Simmons (14.0), who scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting to end a string of six straight games scoring in double figures.
Chicago: Guard Zach LaVine (17.2 & 4.5) had played in 12 straight games after returning from knee surgery and recorded season highs of 35 points and 33 minutes on Friday but got the night off against the Wizards but is expected back on Monday. Power forward Bobby Portis (12.2 & 6.5) scored 13 points in 23 minutes off the bench on Saturday but was ejected with under three minutes left after being assessed a flagrant foul 2 against Washington's Satoransky. Most should remember that Portis was suspended by the team at the start of the regular season after punching former teammate Nikola Mirotic in the face. He told reporters, "That's what that was. No injuries intended on Satoransky, just competing (and) playing hard like I always do." 7-0 rookie Markkanen (15.2 & 7.7) continues his quest towards ROY consideration.
The pick: Chicago has taken the first two meetings this season by an average of 20 points, 105-83 and 112-94. Chicago's "salad days" of December and January are now in the rear-view mirror (right are Mirotic's return but he is now with New Orleans) and despite injuries to Gordon and Vucevic, the Magic are on an 11-3 ATS run. Neither team plays much defense these days, as Orlando allows 109.9 PPG and Chicago 109.1. Make the Over an 8* play.
Orlando: The Magic began sharing the ball more during the winning streak and handed out another 23 assists in Saturday's loss, something that coach Frank Vogel sees as a positive development. "This is what my teams should look like and this is what I demand of them," Vogel told reporters. The Magic hope to move forward with PF Gordon (18. & 8.3), SF Fournier (17.9) and center Vucevic (17.4 & 9.7). However, Gordon (hip flexor) has sat out the last seven games and is questionable to return before the All-Star break and Vucevic hasn't played since right before Christmas (hand). Shooting guard Mario Hezonja (8.2) scored a team-high 23 points on Saturday but impressed Vogel more with his work on the defensive end, where he collected three steals and did not shy away from physicality. However, Hezonja's big night couldn't quite make up for an off night from small forward Jonathan Simmons (14.0), who scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting to end a string of six straight games scoring in double figures.
Chicago: Guard Zach LaVine (17.2 & 4.5) had played in 12 straight games after returning from knee surgery and recorded season highs of 35 points and 33 minutes on Friday but got the night off against the Wizards but is expected back on Monday. Power forward Bobby Portis (12.2 & 6.5) scored 13 points in 23 minutes off the bench on Saturday but was ejected with under three minutes left after being assessed a flagrant foul 2 against Washington's Satoransky. Most should remember that Portis was suspended by the team at the start of the regular season after punching former teammate Nikola Mirotic in the face. He told reporters, "That's what that was. No injuries intended on Satoransky, just competing (and) playing hard like I always do." 7-0 rookie Markkanen (15.2 & 7.7) continues his quest towards ROY consideration.
The pick: Chicago has taken the first two meetings this season by an average of 20 points, 105-83 and 112-94. Chicago's "salad days" of December and January are now in the rear-view mirror (right are Mirotic's return but he is now with New Orleans) and despite injuries to Gordon and Vucevic, the Magic are on an 11-3 ATS run. Neither team plays much defense these days, as Orlando allows 109.9 PPG and Chicago 109.1. Make the Over an 8* play.
