On Friday night, two Eastern Conference teams fighting for the last playoff spot will meet when Toronto Raptors host Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena. While Toronto has enjoyed its best start since 2014 and won four consecutive home games during this streak; Chicago, on the other hand, has suffered three-straight road losses and dropped 10 of 12 road contests so far this year.
Toronto has averaged 102.6 points per 100 possessions over its last five games while allowing opponents to score 104.8. Additionally, they have significantly enhanced their defense, forcing 15.1 turnovers each game and holding foes to 43% shooting from long range.
Last time out, the Raptors defeated the Wizards on the road with Scottie Barnes leading all scorers with 24 points while Ochai Agbaji and Jakob Poeltl each added 12. Poeltl must remain particularly resilient down low against Nikola Vucevic who played well against Chicago earlier in this season.
The Bulls face an uphill climb as they play at Scotiabank Arena where the Raptors have gone 19-5 this year. Chicago has averaged only 116.4 points per game while allowing 123.6, boasting the worst shooting percentage (43%) and rebounding percentage (44.9) in the league. Furthermore, they will be without Zach LaVine due to personal issues; players such as Dalen Terry and Matas Buzelis must step up in his absence.
For free NBA picks, check out our NBA betting public to see where the NBA public is betting against the spread (ATS). You can either bet with the public or go against them, the choice is yours. For more options, visit NBA AI computer picks page, updated with daily NBA picks and predictions. Get a jump start on tonight’s NBA basketball action by making picks and following our updated NBA betting tools. Win more today!
233.5
