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Bulls vs Raptors: Play-in Spot on the Line Tuesday
Bulls vs. Raptors: Play-in Tournament Hopes on the Line
Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors face off Tuesday night in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup with significant play-in tournament implications for the Bulls. A victory for the 33-42 Bulls would secure their place in the play-in tournament. Currently sitting 10th in the East, five games ahead of the Raptors with seven games remaining, a win would extend their lead to six games with six games left to play, securing the tiebreaker advantage. Chicago has already won the season series against Toronto, having covered the spread in two of their three encounters this season, including a 125-115 home victory on February 28th. The Bulls are currently favored by 5 points in the upcoming game, with the over/under set at 236 points.
Despite trading Zach LaVine at the trade deadline, the Bulls have focused on maintaining their playoff aspirations. Josh Giddey and Coby White have been key contributors, averaging a combined 46.5 points per game since the All-Star break. Rookie Matas Buzelis has also shown promise, averaging 19 points over his last five games. While the Bulls suffered a 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, they heavily utilized their bench, limiting playing time for key starters in preparation for Tuesday's critical game. They enter Tuesday's game having covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 games.
Toronto, however, will be without leading scorer RJ Barrett and starting shooting guard Ochai Agbaji. This strategic decision reflects the Raptors’ prioritization of a favorable position in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. Despite this, Toronto enters the game on a four-game winning streak, having covered the spread in five of their last six games, including a 127-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. They also boast a significant advantage of an extra day's rest compared to Chicago. The Raptors’ recent success stems in part from their strong three-point shooting (17-of-38 against the Sixers) and ability to force turnovers (18 against the Sixers, compared to 20 for the Bulls against the Thunder). While this game carries high stakes for both teams, it’s a decisive moment for Chicago's postseason hopes.
Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors face off Tuesday night in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup with significant play-in tournament implications for the Bulls. A victory for the 33-42 Bulls would secure their place in the play-in tournament. Currently sitting 10th in the East, five games ahead of the Raptors with seven games remaining, a win would extend their lead to six games with six games left to play, securing the tiebreaker advantage. Chicago has already won the season series against Toronto, having covered the spread in two of their three encounters this season, including a 125-115 home victory on February 28th. The Bulls are currently favored by 5 points in the upcoming game, with the over/under set at 236 points.
Despite trading Zach LaVine at the trade deadline, the Bulls have focused on maintaining their playoff aspirations. Josh Giddey and Coby White have been key contributors, averaging a combined 46.5 points per game since the All-Star break. Rookie Matas Buzelis has also shown promise, averaging 19 points over his last five games. While the Bulls suffered a 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, they heavily utilized their bench, limiting playing time for key starters in preparation for Tuesday's critical game. They enter Tuesday's game having covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 games.
Toronto, however, will be without leading scorer RJ Barrett and starting shooting guard Ochai Agbaji. This strategic decision reflects the Raptors’ prioritization of a favorable position in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. Despite this, Toronto enters the game on a four-game winning streak, having covered the spread in five of their last six games, including a 127-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. They also boast a significant advantage of an extra day's rest compared to Chicago. The Raptors’ recent success stems in part from their strong three-point shooting (17-of-38 against the Sixers) and ability to force turnovers (18 against the Sixers, compared to 20 for the Bulls against the Thunder). While this game carries high stakes for both teams, it’s a decisive moment for Chicago's postseason hopes.
