Magic-Bulls Preview

4/12/2008 2:35 PM

By PAUL DIGIACOMO
STATS Senior Editor

The last time the Orlando Magic swept a season series from Chicago, the Bulls were on their way to finishing 40 games under .500.

While Chicago's record may not be that bad this season, it's still winding a disappointing campaign.

Orlando looks to complete its perfect season against the Bulls when the teams meet on Sunday at the United Center.

The Magic (49-30) have outscored Chicago (31-48) by 16.0 points in winning all three matchups this season, and are trying to go unbeaten against the Bulls in a single season for the first time since going 3-0 in 2001-02.

Chicago went 21-61 that season, one of six straight without a playoff appearance after winning three consecutive NBA titles. The Bulls returned to the postseason in 2004-05 and made it three years in a row before stumbling this season.

Orlando, meanwhile, is in the playoffs for the second straight season after wrapping up the Southeast Division - the franchise's first division title since the 1995-96 season - and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Magic, though, are struggling as the postseason approaches. They've gone 5-6 since clinching a playoff spot, including a 102-101 home loss to lowly Minnesota on Friday.

"There's some troubling things that I don't like at all," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "But I would say that myself and my assistant coaches are the only ones concerned. I don't think our players are real concerned about it."

Dwight Howard had 20 points and 14 rebounds for his 68th double-double of the season, tying Shaquille O'Neal's franchise record set in 1992-93. Howard is averaging 20.7 points and 15.7 boards against Chicago this season.

He had 30 points and 14 rebounds as the Magic beat the Bulls 115-83 on Wednesday, one night after Chicago was eliminated from postseason contention with a seven-point loss at NBA-worst Miami.

The Bulls rebounded from those defeats on Friday, ending a three-game skid with a 100-95 victory over Cleveland. Chicago managed to win despite Cavaliers star LeBron James tying his team record by scoring 24 of his 34 points in the first quarter.

Tyrus Thomas had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and rookie Joakim Noah chipped in 17 and 11 for Chicago.

"I think we played well tonight," Noah said. "At the same time, I feel that we both have a long way to go. Potential doesn't win games and that's what matters."

The Bulls will have a tough time trying to keep Howard off the glass Sunday as they'll be without leading rebounder Drew Gooden for the rest of the season.

Gooden, averaging 9.3 boards per contest, has missed seven straight games because of a lower abdominal strain. Chicago has been outrebounded 310-267 over that span.