Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
October 19, 2017
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 19 @7:30 PM
Venue: Air Canada Centre (Toronto)
Head to head record
Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors 104-125 (2017 preseason)
Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls 122-120 (2016/2017 NBA)
Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors 105-94 (2016/2017 NBA)
Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors 123-118 (2016/2017 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls 107-109 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls prediction
Toronto Raptors take on Chicago Bulls in the opening match of the season. David faces Goliath at Air Canada Centre and it remains to be seen if Bulls are capable of shocking Raptors on Wednesday evening.
Nothing new at Air Canada Center
Toronto Raptors made it to the Eastern Conference play-offs semis last season, but Cleveland Cavaliers proved to be a big catch for the Canadian team. Dwane Casey’s men have big ambitions for the 2017/2018 NBA season as well and it has to be noted that Raptors managed to keep hold of star players in the summer. Kyle Lowry and DeMar Rozan will again play key roles in Dwane Casey’s team and all eyes will be on the duo when Toronto take on Chicago Bulls in their opener. Over the years have turned their Air Canada Center into a real fortress and they are seen as hot favourites to win Wednesday’s clash against Chicago Bulls. Jonas Valanciunas, who represented Lithuania at 2017 Eurobasket, will be yet another man to watch in the home team and, taking everything into account, there is a big value in betting on the hosts.
Coach Dwane Casey has no injury worries ahead of the Chicago game. Summer signing C.J. Miles should make his Toronto debut in NBA against Chicago.
A new beginning…
Chicago Bulls head into the 2017/2018 season with severally-weakened squad. The likes of Jimmy Butler, Dwayne Wade and Rajon Rondo are no longer part of the team and, as a result, Bulls have slim chances of making it to the Eastern Conference play-offs. Zack Levine and Kris Dunn were traded from Minnesota Timberwolves, but it has to be noted that the duo will miss Wednesday’s clash against Toronto with injury. Finland international Lauri Markkanen is yet another new recruit and basketball experts believe that there is a bright future ahead of “the next Dirk Nowitzki”. Chicago Bulls face an uphill task in their opener against Toronto Raptorts as they are considered one of the worst teams in the conference. Toronto outclassed Chicago in pre-season and I do not believe that the visitors are capable of making a miracle at Air Canada Center. Fred Hoiberg’s troop are not regarded as good travelers and they are likely to return home empty-handed.
Nikola Mirotic has joined the likes of Kris Dunn, Cameron Payne and Zach Lavine in the recovery room following an incident with Bobby Portis. Quincy Pondexter is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the game day.
Interesting Facts
- Toronto Raptors are eyeing their third consecutive win over Chicago
- Jimmy Butler, who left Chicago in the summer, had 23.9 points per game last term
- Raptors recorded five wins in previous eight home games in NBA
- In their last meeting in Air Canada Centre Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120
- Toronto hammered Bulls 125-104 in preseason
Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls betting pick
Toronto Raptors are a real force to be reckoned with at home and seeing that Chicago Bulls are hit by injuries ahead of the start of the season and I am tempted to put my money on the hosts. Toronto were impressive at home ground in the 2016/2017 NBA campaign and they are likely to continue where they left last term.
Pick: Toronto -12
Odds: -110
