Chicago @ Orlando preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 12, 2018 ) Orlando 101, Chicago 105

The Chicago Bulls have recorded just 24 victories all season, but three of them have come against the Orlando Magic. Chicago looks to complete a sweep of the four-game season series when it visits Orlando on Friday.

The Bulls fell to Miami 103-92 on Thursday for their seventh consecutive loss - the third time this season they have dropped at least seven in a row. Chicago will be without its starting backcourt for the eighth consecutive game as shooting guard Zach LaVine (knee) and point guard Kris Dunn (toe) continue to recuperate, although it is beginning to look like Dunn might not play again this season. Orlando has dropped nine of its last 11 contests, and its next setback will ensure it will win fewer than 30 games for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The Magic are 2-4 on their seven-game homestand after losing 114-111 to Brooklyn on Wednesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE BULLS (24-51): Lauri Markkanen (elbow) is expected to play versus Orlando after sitting out Thursday and missing seven of the team's last nine games, including five due to a back ailment. The 20-year-old power forward, who averages 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, said prior to Thursday's contest that he would vote himself the NBA Rookie of the Year over the two true candidates - Utah's Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia's Ben Simmons. Markkanen could finish third in the voting and certainly has proven he will be a solid building block for a Chicago franchise that will be aiming for respectability next season.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (22-52): With Orlando having one of the worst records in the league, a good number of its fans were happy with the loss to fellow Eastern Conference doormat Brooklyn in order to better the team's chances in the 2018 draft lottery. Coach Frank Vogel said the draft order isn't an issue as the team will get a solid player whether it selects first or 10th, while power forward Aaron Gordon admits it's disappointing to see the fan reaction. "It hurts just to be in that situation," Gordon told the Orlando Sentinel. "We don't want to be in the lottery. We don't want to be known as a team that tanks, especially when we go out there and we give our all. We put our body, our mind and our soul all out there every night."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Bulls have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams.

2. Chicago reserve PF Bobby Portis matched his career high of 16 rebounds while also contributing 13 points against Miami.

3. Orlando rookie F Jonathan Isaac (foot) is expected to return after a three-game absence.

PREDICTION: Magic 97, Bulls 93