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The Orlando Magic remain winless with Glen Davis out of the lineup as the Chicago Bulls defeated them, 96-94, on Wednesday.
The Magic dug themselves into a hole during the third quarter where their deficit reached 18 points.
Point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the lineup after sitting out for two games because of a left hip injury. Nelson delivered a game- and season-high 32 points, but Chicago's front court negated his efforts. Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer outperformed the Magic's depleted front court with a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds.
It's obvious Orlando is suffering without Davis' size and tenacity. The Magic's interior defense couldn't stop the Bulls' starting front court - and that was without Bulls center Joakim Noah, who missed the game due to the flu. Filling in for Noah, power forward Taj Gibson posted season-highs with 21 points and 11 rebounds, notching his first double-double of the year.
After coming off a franchise-record performance in rebounds, Nikola Vucevic tied his career-high with 20 points. Behind him was Arron Afflalo, who had 19 points. With 46 seconds to play, Afflalo hit a crucial three-pointer to bring the Magic within two.
Orlando will play its last home game of this stretch before starting a four-game road trip, facing the New York Knicks on Saturday at 7 PM.