The Raptors appeared to be in a two team race vs Cleveland for the grand prize of avoiding the play-in tournament. Recently, the Bulls have decided to join the party.
Toronto (40-31, 7th in East) and Chicago (41-29, 5th in East) meet for the fourth and final time this season with the Bulls leading the season series 2-1. A Raps win would bring them within only a half game behind Chicago, while the Bulls have a chance to go up 2.5 up and clinch the all important tiebreak if these teams end up with the same record.
Chicago is only 3-8 since the all-star break and return home after dropping all three games of a West coast trip in Sacramento, Utah and Phoenix. The Bulls have the fifth hardest remaining schedule, while the Raptors rank in the middle of the pack. Toronto appears to enjoy the friendly confines of opposing arenas, owning the fourth best road record at 23-15. The Raps will be looking for their seventh straight win south of the border.
Player to Watch
A game against DeMar DeRozan will always feature Deebo in this segment. He’s come back down to earth in March, averaging 25 ppg on only 42 percent from the field. Those numbers are down from his 34.2 ppg/55 percent blistering clip in February, where he scored at least 35 points on 50 percent shooting in seven straight games. DeMar was also incredibly clutch in many close games and was named East player of the month. Deebo was being discussed as a top three MVP candidate before the Bulls freefall.
If this game is up for grabs, DeRozan is still the king of the fourth with 535 points this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks second, trailing by 60. That being said, the Raptors won a close overtime contest in the last meeting.
Sidenote: Patrick Williams is set to return from wrist surgery after playing only five games this season. He’s expected to come off the bench and be eased into more playing time, but this is massive for a team that’s been missing pieces of their depth. Sometimes it’s forgotten that Williams was the fourth overall pick last season. Florida State has been doing something right back to back years.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 8pm EDT | TV: TSN 4 | Radio: TSN 1050
Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries
Previous Results
Probable Lineup
Injuries
Chicago Bulls Results, Lineups & Injuries
Previous Results
Probable Lineup
Injuries
Betting Lines
| tor | chi | |
|---|---|---|
| +4.5 | Spread | -4.5 |
| +160 | Money Line | -190 |
Over/Under 224.5 | ||
My over/under prediction (13-13 this season): This is a tough one. Chicago’s defence has allowed less than 100 points only once in the last two months. Alex Caruso is back, but that didn’t stop the Bulls from giving up an average of 122 points on their road trip. Meanwhile the Raptors have one of the best defences since the all-star break. Philly was just held to 88 points. Taking the under.
