Bulls 89, Magic 81, Final Score: Dwight Howard Faces Probable Suspension In Loss

The Bulls improved to 42-18 with the win while the Magic fell to 40-23 with the loss.

On Friday night, only a day removed from a thrilling comeback win over the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic are in trouble. At halftime, Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls are breezing past the Magic, 49-35. Perhaps even worse for Orlando, Dwight Howard was hit with a technical foul, and likely faces a one-game suspension from the NBA.

Late in the second quarter, Howard pulled down a rebound. The Bulls’ Kyle Korver grabbed Howard’s arm, prompting him to throw his elbows. Howard didn’t make contact with anyone, but still received a technical. Since this is the 16th technical foul of the season for Howard, he’ll be suspended for Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Magic are suffering from the three-point line, where they normally excel. They’re only 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. They’ve suffered from a couple of lapses in judgment, the most puzzling of which was Jason Richardson’s attempt to steal the ball downcourt with three seconds left in the half. He was whistled for the foul, giving the Bulls two shots from the line.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are making shots fall, having shot 46.3 percent from the field thus far. Rose leads his team with 15 points.

For more, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post as well as our Bulls blog, Blog a Bull.