Magic vs. Bulls: 3 Big Things to Watch

The Orlando Magic (23-34) plays its penultimate game before the All-Star Game on Monday against the Chicago Bulls (26-30).

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic hopes to bounce back after an overtime loss on Saturday. 

A game many in the organization want to have back will need to be forgotten with a road matchup against Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls.

Here are three things to watch in this Eastern Conference showdown...

Can the Magic Continue its Road Success?

In its last four-game road stint from Jan. 30th - Feb. 5th, Orlando posted a respectable 3-1 mark with wins over the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets. 

Despite struggling on the road last week, the Bulls have excelled at the United Center over its past five games, winning three straight while posting a 16-11 record overall. 

And while Orlando has been successful over its previous road trip, its 9-19 mark ranks seventh worst in the NBA. 

Any Chance of Limiting LaVine?

One of the biggest trade block targets this season, Bulls guard Zach Lavine will ultimately stay in the red and black for the foreseeable future. 

And Billy Donovan and company surely won't complain, holding on to one of the best scorers in the NBA this season. 

On the year, the two time All Star has posted 23.8 points per game on .469/.374/.827 shooting splits but has played his best basketball of the year over the past month. 

Over his past five games, Lavine has scored 23, 38, 24, 20 and 36 points respectively, while being held to single digit points just once in 52 games. 

Bounce Back Magic?

Disappointing is an understatement to describe Saturday's loss to the Miami Heat.

Leading by as many as 17 in the first half, Orlando had several opportunities to defeat its in-state rival late in the overtime defeat.

After falling behind by five early in the extra period, the Magic stormed back to put the game within three, but a Gary Harris three could not keep his team alive. 

With just two games left before the All Star Break, this is a game neither team will take lightly as they fight for a Play In spot. 

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. 

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You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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