January is the month that can set up an NBA team’s season, and both the Magic and Bulls will be looking for strong performances with each side currently hovering around the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Orlando Magic @ Chicago Bulls
The hot-and-cold Bulls appear to have turned the corner again, winning six of their last eight games despite entering this matchup without the Giddey–White backcourt due to injury.
That wasn’t an issue last time out against the Pelicans, although the Magic present a much sterner test than New Orleans.
That said, it’s been more than a month since Orlando put together consecutive wins as they continue to work through their system with Banchero, Bane, Suggs, and the emergence of Anthony Black.
LEG 1 - Jalen Smith 8+ Rebounds
Smith started at power forward last game with Giddey and White sidelined and made the most of the opportunity.
He finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes and is averaging 10 rebounds per game across three outings without the duo this season.
The Magic concede rebounds to power forwards at a rate 11% above league average over the past month, so if Billy Donovan sticks with Smith as a starter, he should be well placed to clear this line again.
LEG 2 - Nikola Vucevic Under 18.5 Points
On paper, Vucevic looks like the next offensive option with Giddey and White out, but the numbers suggest otherwise.
He’s averaging just 11.3 points across the three games played without the pair this season and has failed to clear 18.5 points in all three.
Orlando are one of the NBA’s best teams at limiting centre scoring, holding the position 25% below league average over the past month, making this a tough matchup for Vuc.
LEG 3 - Kevin Huerter 10+ Points
Huerter has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this lineup configuration.
Without Giddey and White, his minutes jump from 24 to 30, and his scoring increases significantly, hitting 10+ points in all three games while averaging 18.7.
While his recent form has been mixed, Huerter averages 13.8 points when playing 25+ minutes this season, reaching double figures in 11 of 13 such games.
Same Game Multi
Smith 8+ Rebounds / Vucevic Under 18.5 Points / Huerter 10+ Points = $3.60
VALUE BET
The Bulls’ backup guard gets a significant usage bump in this spot and is more than capable of scoring with the ball in hand.
Jones scored 20 points last time out in just 27 minutes against New Orleans, marking the second time he’s reached that mark in three games without Giddey and White.
He’s now scored 20+ points in his last two games when playing 27 or more minutes, including his most recent matchup against his brother Tyus and the Magic. At this price, he’s well worth another look.
