Another recent familiar foe to take down.

The Bulls (32-18, 1st in East) and Raptors (26-23, 8th in East) meet for the third time this season. The first two matchups were pretty similar; Chicago had a decent lead but Toronto clawed back in the game. Then DeMar DeCloser did his thing in winning time, either getting a key bucket or setting up one. DeRozan ranks second in fourth quarter scoring only trailing Giannis Antetokounmpo. DeRozan is 5-3 against the Raptors since being traded, averaging 23 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists. His lone NBA triple-double is still at the Raptors expense. This would be quite the first round matchup if seeds hold up.

Chicago is coming off a tight win against Orlando. They seem to have a tendency to give up double digit fourth quarter leads, as the Magic also tied that game late. Ayo Dosunmu has been a heck of a second round pick, as he made a couple of huge shots to propel the Bulls to victory. Chicago ranks 11th in defensive rating, but that’s misleading. They are hurting on that end without Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. Since December 21st, the Bulls are 22nd in that category.

Meanwhile the Raptors can move percentage points ahead of idle Charlotte for seventh in the East with a fourth straight win. Brooklyn is 2-7 since Kevin Durant’s injury and is only two games up on Toronto for sixth. I don’t think they will continue to be that bad but hell, why not go for it. Play-in for what?

This is the first leg of yet another back to back for both teams. It’s Game two of a three game homestand for Toronto.

Player to Watch For

Normally I reserve this section for the opponent, but this is all about Gary Trent Jr. Headband Gary has a chance to beat DeMar’s franchise record of five straight 30-point games right in front of him.

Trent was asked about that after tying the record vs the Heat.

"To share that with him and all what he does and what he means to this organization, I can't put into words."

Gary Trent Jr. discusses what an honour it is for him share a Raptors record with DeMar DeRozan. pic.twitter.com/0kx1LlYU5g

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 3, 2022

Gary was ejected late in last week’s showdown but he already had 32 points by then. If Trent is rocking that headband at tip-off, the record is his.

Sidenote: TNT will be revealing the all-star reserves minutes before this game. So we’ll know Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam’s fate by approximately 7-7:15pm. It would be absolutely shocking if Zach LaVine wasn’t named, and Nikola Vucevic has an outside chance.

Game Info

Tip-Off: 7:30pm EST | TV: Sportsnet | Radio: TSN Radio 1050

Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries

Chicago Bulls Results, Lineups & Injuries