The Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls meet Friday in NBA action at the United Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors look for another win after beating the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Toronto Raptors look for their first 2-0 start since the 2018-19 season. The Toronto Raptors are averaging 97 points on 40 percent shooting and allowing 94 points on 34 percent shooting. Dennis Schroder is averaging 22 points and 3 rebounds, while O.G. Anunoby is averaging 20 points and 6 rebounds. Scottie Barnes is the third double-digit scorer and Pascal Siakam is grabbing 7 rebounds. The Toronto Raptors are shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 68.8 percent from the free throw line. The Toronto Raptors are allowing 25.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47 rebounds per game.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Chicago Bulls look for a win after losing their opener to the Thunder. The Chicago Bulls look to avoid their first 0-2 start since the 2020-21 season. The Chicago Bulls are averaging 104 points on 41.5 percent shooting and allowing 124 points on 54.9 percent shooting. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Zach LaVine is averaging 16 points and 3 assists. Coby White is the third double-digit scorer and Nikola Vucevic is grabbing 9 rebounds. The Chicago Bulls are shooting 28.6 percent from beyond the arc and 77.8 percent from the free throw line. The Chicago Bulls are allowing 48.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42 rebounds per game.
Randy’s Pick
The Toronto Raptors and the free bucket is attractive, as I'd argue they're the better team on paper. The Chicago Bulls also didn't look good in their season opener, and it feels like their roster could be a bit stale. With that said, the Bulls have won 7 of the last 10 meetings against the Raptors. Also, the Bulls are an experienced team that knows they can't put themselves in a hole if they're going to make anything of this season. Trade rumors and what not will pick up if the Bulls don't start winning. This is a winnable game. I'll lay the bucket, but there are better options out there on a stacked NBA Friday card.
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter @WizardOf0dds