Bulls/Magic preview

The Magic (48-29, 23-15 home), coming off a miserable loss at NY, will try to get back on track against one of the league's most disappointing teams, the Bulls (30-47, 12-27 road). CHI was officially eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Heat TUE night 95-88, and have the lowest FG percentage in the league.

The projected starting lineup for CHI:

G... Kirk Hinrich (11.9 ppg, 6.0 asts)
G... Larry Hughes (12.6 ppg)
F... Luol Deng (17.0 ppg, 6.4 rebs)
F... Tyrus Thomas (6.2 ppg)
C... Joakim Noah (6.3 ppg, 5.6 rebs)

Top reserves: Ben Gordon (19.0 ppg); Andres Nocioni (13.4 ppg); Thabo Sefalosha (6.8 ppg); Aaron Gray (3.8 ppg)

Former Magic F Drew Gooden has missed the last several games with a strained abdominal muscle and most likely will not play tonight for the Bulls.

CHI is averaging 96.8 ppg, while allowing 99.8 ppg. The Magic average 104.2 ppg and allow 99.5 ppg.

The Magic, having clinched the number three seed in the East, are just two wins away from 50 wins. Other than that, their only goal is to stay sharp as the playoffs near, but at the same time, not to play the regulars heavy minutes, so it will be interesting to see how much playing time Coach Van Gundy gives the reserves tonight, especially after admitting he did a poor job with his rotation against the Knicks. Magic are 10 pt favorites (www.pinnaclesports.com).