Magic to claim scalp
Betting tips 
/ Matthew Reid / 06 January 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
Chicago visits Orlando with one of the best records in the NBA at 6-1.
The Orlando Magic will be looking for a scalp to help deflect the attention from the ever-present Dwight Howard trade rumours, and Matthew Reid has a feeling that the Chicago Bulls might be their victim.
The Magic currently sit with a 5-2 record but have only beaten one team with a better than .500% record and that's Toronto, who aren't expected to make the playoffs.
Their early season schedule has been friendly, which has papered over the cracks in their team. Backcourt play has been a huge problem for Orlando, with Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson both down on their career averages and struggling with their shooting.
They also haven't had much production from their bench, a major strength in previous years. Ryan Anderson has been the bright spot, taking full opportunity of his starting role this year and currently averaging an impressive 20 points and 7 rebounds.
Chicago visits Orlando with one of the best records in the NBA at 6-1. Their most recent result was a rout of Detroit in Rip Hamilton's return to the Palace. It's difficult to get a read on Hamilton's influence on the Bulls so far as he has missed games with a groin strain and he may not play in this match.
It's the injury to MVP Derrick Rose that could be the biggest influence on this match. Rose injured his elbow in a hard fall during the Detroit game and his status is questionable. Rose played through the injury and logged 39 minutes against the Pistons, however he may not play to his superstar level even if he does suit up against Orlando.
The Bulls have an extremely deep roster and the likes of Boozer, Deng, Gibson and Korver can step up for the Bulls if required, but they will still have their hands full in competing with the Magic. It took 39 points from Derrick Rose to narrowly defeat an Orlando team that didn't have Dwight Howard in their most recent meeting late last year.
There have been a couple of changes to both teams since then but a banged up Bulls team and some improved guard play might finally give the Magic the win they need to gain some respect in this new season.
Back the Magic at around 2.1.
