The Chicago Bulls visit the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. Chicago enters the game at 20-28, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, while Toronto has won five straight to improve to 15-32, 12th in the East. The Bulls won the last meeting between these teams on Dec. 16 in a tight 122-121 battle.
The Raptors are on their longest winning streak in nearly three years after beating Washington 106-82 on Wednesday. The Bulls, meanwhile, are coming off a 122-100 loss to Boston and have lost three of their last four games.
Bulls Preview – Can Chicago Get Back on Track?
Chicago struggled against the Celtics on Wednesday, allowing 27 points off 15 turnovers while missing Zach LaVine, who is out due to personal reasons. Coby White returned from injury to score 16 points, while Nikola Vucevic contributed six points and 11 rebounds. The Bulls will need more offensive production to keep pace with a Raptors team that is playing with confidence.
Chicago’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 15th in the league in field goal percentage (46.5%) but struggling to generate free-throw attempts. The Bulls also struggle defensively, giving up 116.4 points per game, which ranks 25th in the league. They will have to tighten up their defense to slow down Toronto’s balanced attack.
The Bulls are 11-12 on the road this season and will need a strong effort from Vucevic and White to avoid a second straight loss on this road trip.
Raptors Preview – Can Toronto Keep the Streak Alive?
Toronto has been one of the hottest teams in the league recently, winning five straight games, including a dominant defensive performance against Washington on Wednesday. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, while Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji each added 12. The Raptors forced 27 turnovers and converted them into 32 points.
The Raptors’ defense has been a major factor in their turnaround, holding opponents to 38.9% shooting in their last game. They rank in the top five in the NBA in steals per game and have been effective at creating transition opportunities. Poeltl has been a key presence in the paint, while Barnes continues to lead the team offensively.
With a 4-19 road record, the Raptors have struggled away from home, but they have been better in Toronto, going 11-13 at Scotiabank Arena. A win here would move them closer to the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
Betting Prediction
Toronto is favored by 3.5 points, with the total set at 232.5. The Raptors have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games and are playing their best basketball of the season. Meanwhile, the Bulls are still adjusting without LaVine and have struggled to generate consistent offense.
With the Raptors playing strong defense and the Bulls having turnover issues, Toronto should have the edge at home. Look for Barnes and Poeltl to lead the Raptors to their sixth straight win.
Pick: Raptors -3.5
