Elfrid Payton recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds to lift the Orlando Magic over the Chicago Bulls 98-91 on Wednesday night at the Amway Center. Evan Fournier added 20 points for the Magic.
Jimmy Butler had 21 points and nine assists for the Bulls, who dropped their third game in a row and now stand at 31-33 on the season.
Down Dwyane
Veteran guard Dwyane Wade missed his second consecutive game with a left quad strain. Paul Zipser got the start in Wade’s absence.
No Niko
Nikola Mirotic, who hadn’t hit double-figures in scoring in the previous four games, did not get off the bench against the Magic while Hoiberg instead went to newcomer Joffrey Lauvergne. Mirotic, who averages 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, joined Michael Carter-Williams and Anthony Morrow on the scoresheet as “DNP—Coach’s Decision.”
Starters
Bulls: Jimmy Butler, Bobby Portis, Robin Lopez, Paul Zipser, Jerian Grant.
Magic: Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon, Bismack Biyombo, Evan Fournier, Elfrid Payton.
Up next
Vs. Rockets, 7 p.m., Friday; WGN-9, WLS-AM 890.
