Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/01/2024, 04:50  by Joseph King | Modified on 18/01/2024 at 11:30 in NBA Prediction

The 12th-place Toronto Raptors host the ninth-placed Chicago Bulls for this Eastern Conference clash in the NBA. With the news of Toronto dealing star player Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, Raptors management has committed to the rebuild. They have a solid young core in the form of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley and will get a bunch of first round draft picks to build around them. The Raptors finished .500 last season and ninth in the conference but have been underachieving in the 2023/24 campaign as they currently sit 18-25. What’s interesting was Toronto’s response as they were able to snap a four-game losing streak last night as they blew out the Heat 121-97 at home. They’ll play the second leg of a back-to-back here and can push their home record to 11-10 if they are able to overcome Chicago in this game.

The Bulls come to town looking to get back to winning ways following a 109-91 defeat to the Cavaliers on Monday. They’ll be well-rested for this contest with three days rest between this and their last outing. Similarly to Toronto, the Bulls are underachieving this season with a 19-23 record placing them ninth in the East standings. The majority of the visitors’ struggles have come due to their poor road form where they have won just six of 19 games compared to their respectable 13-10 home record. Additionally, the Bulls’ last two road wins have come against two of the NBA’s worst teams in the Spurs and Hornets who have a combined 15-66 record on the season. The good news for Chicago is that they are 4-2 since getting their ‘big three’ back on the court together with LaVine and Vucevic both having missed time recently.