Pregame preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls look to bounce back at home vs. Orlando Magic

DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls will try to avoid their fourth straight loss when they host the Magic.

The Chicago Bulls (26-30) host the Orlando Magic (23-34) tonight. The Bulls are coming off a disappointing 97-89 road loss against the Cavaliers on Saturday. Zach LaVine led the way with 23 points and five rebounds, DeMar DeRozan had 16 points and six assists, and Nikola Vucevic added 14 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in the setback.

Orlando Magic (23-34) vs. Chicago Bulls (26-30)

Monday, February 13 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center

Orlando Magic

• Points Per Game: 111.1 (27th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 113.9 (17th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 36.6 (10th of 30)
• Pace: 98.8 (19th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 111.8 (25th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 114.6 (19th of 30)
• Net Rating: -2.8 (26th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

• Points Per Game: 113.7 (18th of 30)
• Opponent Points Per Game: 113.6 (15th of 30)
• Bench Points Per Game: 30 (24th of 30)
• Pace: 99.8 (14th of 30)
• Offensive Rating: 112.9 (24th of 30)
• Defensive Rating: 112.8 (9th of 30)
• Net Rating: +0.1 (17th of 30)

Contain Paolo Banchero

Banchero has been the best rookie this season, averaging 20 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while flashing his versatility as an offensive focal point for Orlando. The Magic are better than expected, and Banchero gives them a significant piece to build around moving forward.

Banchero had 16 points and 13 rebounds on 6-of-16 shooting in Saturday’s 107-103 overtime loss against the Heat at home. It wasn’t his best game, as he missed four three-point attempts, but he already has ten double-doubles this season.

Banchero’s skill, size, and all-around feel for scoring can give the Bulls problems. The star rookie can generate offense for himself and his teammates, and the Bulls must contain him to win their 27th game of the season.

Attempt more three-point shots

The Bulls blew a 13-point lead against the Cavaliers, committed a season-high 23 turnovers, and were outscored 28-15 in the fourth quarter. The biggest problem was that they shot 5-of-21 (23.8 percent) from three-point range. Three-point shooting has been a recurring issue for the Bulls. On Thursday, the Nets made 10 shots from beyond the arc in the first half, while the Bulls made zero.

“It’s really hard,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said. “We’ve got to look at ourselves in terms of what kind of shots we’re generating for each other. When you look down at that stat sheet, it’s really, really difficult to win.”

While the Bulls shoot from beyond the arc with decent efficiency — 36.2 percent — ranking 13th in the league, they only take 28.9 attempts, or ranking wise, they are last in the league in said category. The Bulls can win this game if they move the ball well and take more chances from three-point range.

Noteworthy

• The Bulls won the last meeting, 128-109 on January 28. LaVine and DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points apiece.

• Chicago beat Orlando three of the last five times.

• The Bulls are 5-5 in the last 10 matchups against the Magic.

• Magic’s projected lineup: Carter, Banchero, Wagner, Harris, Fultz

• Bulls’ projected lineup: Vucevic, Williams, LaVine, DeRozan, Dosunmu

• Magic’s Injury Report: Chuma Okeke (left knee) will miss this game

• Bulls’ Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) will also miss this game. Alex Caruso (left midfoot soreness) is questionable