Orlando Magic: Derrick Rose and the Bulls Top Orlando 89-81

The Magic came into Friday night's game having won four strait, including a thriller last night against the Heat. Orlando came up short in their quest for five in a row.

In the battle of the MVP candidates (Rose and Howard) it was Chicago's front court that propelled the Bulls to victory, dominating the Magic on the boards on both ends of the court. Chicago grabbed 17 offensive of rebounds to Orlando's five, out-rebounding Orlando 50-30 at games end. Rookie center Omer Asik posted a career-best 13 boards to help the Bulls win their eighth game in 10 tries.

The Magic got down early once again trialing 49-35 at the halfway mark and could not quite duplicate the impressive come from behind victory against the Heat Thursday. The Magic were able to keep things interesting cutting the Bulls lead to seven mid-way through the fourth but Chicago would answer with a three-point play by Rose who finished with 24 points. Kyle Korver threw in the dagger three pointer with 2:40 left to put the Bulls up 81-70 letting the air out of the record crowd of 19,207 at Amway Center.

Howard led the Magic with 20 points and 10 boards but shot a dismal 4-12 from the line. Howard also picked up his 16th technical foul which warrants a one game suspension unless the technical is reascended.

Turkoglu was missing in action yet again for the Magic, scoring only two points in over 30 minutes of court time. The bench was non existent for the Magic accounting for only 13 combined points on 3-20 shooting.

The Magic 40-23 are now a full two games behind the Bulls 42-18 for third in the east, which may not be a bad thing considering the third seeded team will most likely find themselves in a first round match up against the new-look Knicks.

The Magic are off until Monday night when they face off against the Portland Trailblazers.