15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -3.5

Chicago vs. Orlando, 01/02/2013 19:00 EDT, Score: 96 - 94

Point Spread: -3½/-110 Chicago

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Loss

The Chicago Bulls will be more motivated for a win tonight than they have been all season. As a result, I'll back them as only a 3.5-point favorite over the lowly Orlando Magic. Chicago has lost three of its last four while going 0-4 ATS in the process.

This recent run has the Bulls way undervalued heading into this contest. They are coming off their most embarrassing loss of the season with an 81-91 home loss to Charlotte, allowing the Bobcats to put an end to their 18-game losing streak. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the best in the business in getting his players to respond from a bad defeat.

Orlando is in a world of hurt right now after losing second-leading scorer Glen Davis (16.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG) for 4-6 weeks with a shoulder strain. Now, guards Jameer Nelson (hip) and E'Twuan Moore (elbow) have missed the past two games, and each is questionable to return tonight. Orlando has lost six straight coming in, including a 110-112 overtime loss to Miami last time out. I look for the Magic to suffer a hangover from that tough loss to the rival Heat and drop their 7th straight tonight.

The Bulls are 45-22-2 ATS in their last 69 games following a S.U. loss. Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Bulls are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 Wednesday games. The Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Chicago has won six of its last seven meetings with Orlando. Take the Bulls Wednesday.