The Chicago Bulls will cap off a four-game road trip with a stop in Toronto on Thursday to face the Raptors. Chicago heads into the game after making major changes to the roster before the trade deadline. Josh Giddey (hamstring) remains out, while Ayo Dosunmu (quad) is questionable. New arrivals Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey could debut for their new team.
Meanwhile, the hosts hope to play better despite largely keeping the team intact. They have added former Golden State Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis to provide frontline help as starter Jakob Poeltl (back) remains out. Toronto hopes to bounce back with a win after losing 128-126 to the Minnesota Timberwolves less than 24 hours ago.
Bulls vs Raptors Odds
Moneyline: Chicago (+275) vs. Toronto (-350)
Odds: Chicago (-8.5 -115) vs. Toronto (+8.5 -105)
Total (O/U): Chicago (o226.0 -112) vs. Toronto (u226.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Bulls vs Raptors Preview and Prediction
Preview
Chicago made a slew of changes to contend for at least a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Gone are old reliables Nikola Vucevic, Kevin Huerter and Coby White. How the new arrivals adjust to Billy Donovan’s system could determine how Chicago fares against Toronto.
Following the significant changes and Josh Giddey’s absence, Donovan is counting on Matas Buzelis to have an even bigger impact on the team. With more freedom to score and create opportunities for others, the stage is set for Buzelis to take another step up.
After winning four straight late in January, Toronto has since struggled. Rebounding and interior defense, which have often been key areas of need, could get a boost with Trayce Jackson-Davis’ arrival. TJD offers more size, defense and experience than rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who has been playing out of position.
Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley need to play well together to end Toronto’s funk.
Prediction
Chicago might need more time before the new arrivals can adjust to Billy Donovan’s system. Against a team that hardly made any changes, the visiting team might not even cover the +8.5 spread in a likely loss in Toronto.
Bulls vs Raptors Player Props
Matas Buzelis needs to be more impactful with his scoring and playmaking to help his hobbled team. The versatile forward, who dropped 22 points on the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, likely eases past his 18.5 (O/U) points prop.
Brandon Ingram likes playing against Chicago, averaging 23.2 points per game in his past five outings against the Windy City team. Expect the lanky forward to top his 21.5 (O/U) points prop.
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