The Chicago Bulls play host to the Toronto Raptors at the United Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Bulls vs Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Bulls vs Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors have been in decent form as they’ve won seven of their last 11 games heading into the All-Star break, but they are looking to bounce back in this one after getting humbled by the Pistons in a 113-95 loss on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley led the team with 18 points and five assists, Scottie Barnes added 17 points with seven rebounds and five assists while RJ Barrett chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Raptors shot 43 percent from the field and 10 of 32 from the 3-point line as they struggled to generate open looks against the Pistons’ elite defense and scored just 19 points in the first quarter to trail by 15 points at halftime and things didn’t get any easier in the second half where the deficit ballooned to 23 points.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have been in a real slump as they’ve lost nine of their last 10 games overall and they will be hoping to put an end to a six-game losing streak after getting trampled by the Celtics in a 124-105 road defeat on Wednesday. Rob Dillingham led the team with 16 points and seven assists off the bench, Collin Sexton and Matas Buzelis each scored 15 points while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in with 13 points. As a team, the Bulls shot 46 percent from the field and 12 of 36 from the 3-point line as they looked completely outmatched from the start and scored just 17 points in the second quarter to trail by 28 points at halftime and they couldn’t get any traction until they fell behind by 33 points.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The Raptors have lost each of their 10 previous games at United Center following a home loss.
- The Bulls have won nine of their last 10 games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites against Central Division opponents following a loss.
- The Bulls have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Raptors have won each of their last 10 games as favorites against the Bulls following a loss.
- The Bulls have lost each of their last six games.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in each of their last five road games against Central Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Bulls’ last five games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Raptors’ last seven games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Anfernee Simons is one of only five players to have scored 35+ points off the bench in a game this season.
- Matas Buzelis ranks 11th amongst qualified players for blocks per game (1.5) this season.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- Scottie Barnes is the only player in the league to have recorded 25+ rebounds in a game this season.
- Immanuel Quickley ranks 9th in the league for fast break points (182) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bulls rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (37.6%).
- Seventeen different Bulls players have scored 15+ points in a game this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points (1062) this season.
- The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points per game (19.3) this season.
Bulls vs Raptors Prediction
The Raptors expect to have a full roster for this contest, while the Bulls are still keeping an eye on Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith. The Raptors have been building nicely as they are finally back to full health, while the Bulls have been ice-cold, which is understandable given all the injuries and trades they have had to deal with. These teams last met on Feb 5, where the Raptors cruised to a 123-107 win, and I’m expecting a similar result here, so I am happy to take the Raptors and lay the points in this one.