Gameday: Raptors @ Bulls, March 18th
After two massive clutch wins in consecutive games against the Suns and Pistons, the Toronto Raptors will look to keep building their late-season momentum with a win against the ailing Chicago Bulls. Toronto is undefeated against Chicago this season, and they will look to keep that record unblemished tonight. Chicago has been in full rebuild mode since the trade deadline, and they have been losing plenty more games than they have been winning. Tonight’s game should be rudimentary for Toronto, with the gap in talent between the two teams, Toronto should have this one buttoned up early.
Raptors Outlook
Record: 38-29 | 5th in Eastern Conference
Offensive Rating: 113.9 (17th) | Defensive Rating: 112.1 (7th) | Net Rating: +1.8 (12th)
Injury luck is finally shifting to the Toronto Raptors side, they have a clean injury report besides Collin Murray-Boyles who remains out with a thumb injury. Jakob Poeltl has begun to look like the great starting center he was before his back injury troubles, and he’s been a massive help lately on the glass and as a screener. The entire starting lineup is beginning to find symmetry together, and against a team as bereft of talent as the Chicago Bulls, that will continue tonight. Chicago is weak defensively at all levels of the floor, so no Raptor will have an issue getting efficient looks of their choosing.
They have Jalen Smith as their rim protector, who is not very athletic or mobile, and then they have weak defenders such as Josh Giddey and Tre Jones at the point of attack as well. Toronto should have no problem getting into their actions, and using their off-ball movement to attack the paint relentlessly and successfully. This matchup is particularly good for Scottie Barnes, because Chicago doesn’t have the size to impede his path to the rim consistently.
Bulls Outlook
Record: 28-40 | 12th in Western Conference
Offensive Rating: 112.6 (24th) | Defensive Rating: 116.7 (23rd) | Net Rating: -4.1 (23rd)
Chicago has become a pretty poor team on both ends of the floor, and on top of their already lacking talent, they are facing injuries to some of their better players such as Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton. Josh Giddey has shown that he can be a reliable playmaker, but his scoring is something that lacks at times. Matas Buzelis is a promising young player with a solid handle and wonderful athleticism, but his consistency is not quite there yet.
Chicago’s defense is porous, and they do not have a reliable on-ball scorer that will give them the production they need in order to win this game, especially against Toronto’s aggressive defense. It would take some hot shooting along with some constant missteps offensively from Toronto for Chicago to compete in this game.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 8:00 p.m. ET
Television: Sportsnet
Venue: United Center
Starting Lineups (Projected)
Chicago Bulls
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Tre Jones
SF:Matas Buzelis
PF: Leonard Miller
C: Jalen Smith
Toronto Raptors
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Injury Report
Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles (Thumb) – Doubtful
Chicago Bulls
Collin Sexton (Leg) – Out
Anfernee Simons (Wrist) – Out
Issac Okoro (Knee) – Doubtful
Jaden Ivey (Patella) – Out
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
| Toronto Raptors | -7.5 (–115) | -275 | O 233.5 (-115) |
| Chicago Bulls | +7.5 (-105) | +225 | U 233.5 (-105) |
Odds as of Mar.18th, 12:00 a.m. ET
PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS
Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code RAPSREPUBLIC (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)
The post Gameday: Raptors @ Bulls, March 18th first appeared on Raptors Republic.