Bulls and Magic Clash in Final Regular Season Matchup

The Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic are set to face off for the last time this regular season on Friday night at the United Center, with both teams coming off recent victories. Despite being shorthanded due to injuries, the Bulls (16-17) are looking to build momentum after a convincing win against New Orleans, while the Magic (19-15) enter the contest with confidence following a dramatic road victory in Indiana.

Wednesday night saw the Bulls overcome significant personnel challenges, missing key players including top scorers Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Coby White (ankle), yet still managing to dominate the Pelicans with a 134-118 victory. The team showcased their depth as Isaac Okoro stepped up with a season-high 24 points, while Tre Jones delivered an impressive double-double with 20 points and 12 assists. Other notable contributions came from rookie Matas Buzelis who added 19 points, veteran center Nikola Vučević with 17 points, and Jalen Smith who recorded 14 points and 14 rebounds in a well-rounded team effort that demonstrated Chicago’s resilience despite their injury challenges.

Orlando, meanwhile, is riding the wave of excitement following Paolo Banchero’s clutch performance against the Pacers. The young star hit the game-winning shot with just 7.5 seconds remaining to secure a thrilling 112-110 victory for the Magic. Banchero finished with an outstanding stat line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots, continuing to establish himself as the team’s cornerstone. He received strong support from Desmond Bane (18 points, 6 assists), Anthony Black (15 points), and Wendell Carter Jr. (11 rebounds) in what proved to be a complete team effort on the road.

The season series between these teams currently stands tied at 1-1, with both previous matchups taking place in Orlando. The Bulls claimed the first meeting on October 25 with a decisive 110-98 win, while the Magic evened the score on December 1 with a narrow 125-120 victory. This final encounter gives both teams an opportunity to claim the season series advantage, adding another layer of importance to Friday’s game. With Chicago having the home court advantage this time around, the dynamics of the matchup could shift significantly compared to their previous meetings in Orlando.

Looking at the key performers for both squads, the Bulls will rely heavily on Nikola Vučević, who leads their available scorers with averages of 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Tre Jones has stepped up admirably in the absence of other playmakers, contributing 12.4 points and 5.2 assists per night. The Magic counter with their dynamic young core led by Banchero (20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds), Desmond Bane (19.1 points), and Jalen Suggs (15.2 points, 4.7 assists). The contrasting styles and talent distribution between these teams sets the stage for an intriguing tactical battle that basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Viewers can catch all the action on FanDuel Sports Network Florida or Chicago Sports Network at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, January 2, 2026. For those without cable access, the game will be available to stream on Fubo, which offers a free trial period for new subscribers. With both teams fighting to improve their positions in the Eastern Conference standings and the season series on the line, this promises to be a compelling contest featuring emerging talent and veteran leadership on both sides.