Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls Predictions: Can Toronto Keep up Their Defensive Intensity?

• The Toronto Raptors are looking for their second win in two games against the Bulls.
• Chicago enter this game looking for revenge and to get back to .500 on their home court.
• The Raptors won the last game against the Bulls, 113-104.

Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls Predictions and Picks

The Toronto Raptors won their last game through their effort and defense, not the efficiency of their offense. Back on home court and with a renewed focus on their ball security, the Bulls should be able to level the season series.

Picks:

Chicago Bulls def. Toronto Raptors (-110)

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Head-to-Head: Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls

Injury Report

TOR: Can Toronto Keep up Their Defensive Intensity?

Already known as one of the league's most organized defensive units, the Toronto Raptors put on a show to keep themselves competitive against the Bulls. Despite going down by double-digits, Toronto's defensive versatility eventually earned them victory.

The Raptors weren't excellent at limiting transition, letting the Bulls shoot 45.5% from the field and 36.1% from three. However, Toronto's half-court defence stifled the Bulls, with Christian Koloko leading the game with 6 blocks and OG Anunoby and Otto Porter Jr. collecting 3 steals each. Forcing 17 turnovers was crucial to Toronto's success.

When the Raptors take on the Bulls again, there's a chance that Andre Drummond and Coby White may return to the lineup. Toronto will need their transition defence to meet their half-court defence if they hope to win back-to-back games against the Bulls.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Fred VanVleet

After what was an underwhelming start to the season and an injury to keep him out of some of the Raptors' early games, Fred VanVleet made an exciting return in the Raptors' last game. While he certainly showed some rust in his return, VanVleet put on a performance to remind NBA fans and bettors of his quality.

In the Raptors' last game, a victory over the Chicago Bulls, VanVleet posted 30 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds in 39 minutes of play. He wasn't incredibly efficient from the field, shooting 40.9% overall and 38.5% from three, but the volume and timeliness of his production speak for itself.

This game being the second leg of a home-and-home with the Bulls will certainly test VanVleet. Through effort alone, he put up a game-winning line last time out, but his minutes' load coming off of injury is sure to hamper his production.

CHI: Chicago Needs to Get on the Glass

The Chicago Bulls were limited in their last game due to injury, but no player on the team was able to help make up the difference when they took on Toronto. While they weren't terrible on the offensive end, their inability to compete on the glass hampered their chances.

The Chicago Bulls were outrebounded by the Toronto Raptors, 46 to 52. While the Bulls found their fair share of offensive rebounds with 15, they also allowed the Raptors to collect 23 offensive rebounds of their own.

While Drummond may return to the lineup, the Bulls must find a solution without him if they want to beat the Raptors. Nikola Vucevic and Alex Caruso did their fair share on the glass, but it must become an effort across every position if the Bulls want to compete with the Raptors' size and athleticism.

Bulls Key Player: (G-F) DeMar DeRozan

It speaks volumes to the quality of DeMar DeRozan as a player that he was quite passive in his last game, but still put up a rather impressive stat line. In his second game against the Raptors this season, he must be proactive in finding his own opportunities to keep the Bulls competitive.

In the Bulls' 113-104 loss to the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan posted 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 37 minutes of play. He was incredibly efficient, if not too selective in his shot attempts as he was 7 of 9 from the field and 0 for 1 from three-point range.

The Raptors' early shot blocking certainly dissuaded the Bulls from attacking the rim, but that can't limit DeRozan in this game. Averaging 25.1 points per game on 16.5 attempts and 50.8% efficiency this season, DeRozan must return to form for Chicago to beat Toronto.

How to Watch Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls

• Who: Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls
• Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
• When: 8:45 PM EST, Monday, November 7th, 2022
• How to Watch: TSN, NBC Sports Chicago, NBA League Pass (Stream)