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Magic vs. Bulls GameThread

The struggling Magic host the deteriorating Bulls in Mexico City

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Storyline: A well-rested Magic team looks to get back to their competitive ways away falling flat against the short-handed Indiana Pacers and suffering a 25-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Chicago Bulls have been a national punchline after firing former head coach Fred Hoiberg, followed by a 56-point loss to the aforementioned Pacers. After newly appointed head coach Jim Boylen threatened to run a grueling practice the morning of the second night of a back-to-back, the players led a ‘moo-tiny’ and refused to practice. The Bulls will look to quiet the circulating gossip by getting into the win column tonight.

Who: Orlando Magic (12-15) at Chicago Bulls (6-22)

When: 9:30 p.m. Eastern

Where: Mexico City Arena - Mexico City

TV: Fox Sports Florida, NBA League Pass

Line: Magic -5.5, Over/Under 208

Key injuries: Orlando - Jonathon Simmons (questionable, ankle), Evan Fournier (probable, personal)

Chicago - None. Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis returned to action on Monday. They will come off the bench with a 20-25 minutes restriction.

Many of the players in tonight’s game will be playing competitive basketball in Mexico for the first time. It will be interesting to see if the elements will have any effect, if all on the play.

Chicago Orlando
Pace: 100.1 (10th) Pace: 97.8 (26th)
ORtg: 100.6 (30th) ORtg: 106.5 (27th)
DRtg: 111.6 (21st) DRtg: 110.0 (15th)
Projected Starters:
Chicago Orlando
PG - Ryan Arcidiacono PG - D.J. Augustin
PG - Zach LaVine SG - Evan Fournier
SF - Justin Holiday F - Jonathan Isaac
F - Lauri Markkanen PF - Aaron Gordon
C - Wendell Carter Jr. C - Nikola Vucevic

Be sure to check out our in-depth preview of tonight’s game here .

For some perspective from the other side, visit our friends at the Bulls community Blog A Bull here.

And as always, join the conversation below!