Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic - GAME DAY PREVIEW

A preview of the Eastern Conference tiff between the Bulls and the Magic.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Amidst a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the future of one of its “Big 3,” the Chicago Bulls will try to zone out all the distractions and get a win over the visiting Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. EST.

DeRozan will miss the game

The Bulls are coming off a 118-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks to put their record at 4-7. Adding to the team’s woes will be the absence of DeMar DeRozan, who will miss the game against the Magic as he tends to a personal matter.

Young guard Dalen Terry has also been ruled out of the game because of a knee issue, while defensive specialist Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams are gameday decisions due to a toe and finger injury, respectively.

With DeRozan out, all eyes will be on the other half of the team’s perimeter combo—Zach LaVine. The high-flyer was at the center of a report on Tuesday that shared the Bulls were more open to trading him this season.

Magic coming in with momentum

The Orlando Magic will be coming to the United Center with their chests puffed out after they defeated the Bucks, 112-97, in their last game. Sophomore forward Paolo Banchero had 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while Franz Wagner added 24 to repel the Damian Lillard-less Bucks and improve to 5-5.

In a disappointing start to the season, Alex Caruso is the Bulls' shining star