[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Chicago Bulls (0-1) welcome the Toronto Raptors (1-0) to the United Center Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Raptors vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; tied 2-2 last season
The Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-94 at home Wednesday, covering as a 1-point favorite. Toronto, which lost F Fred VanVleet this offseason to the Houston Rockets, received a 22-point performance from G Dennis Schroder in its home opener. The Raptors were 41-40-2 against the spread (ATS) last season and 16-24-1 ATS on the road.
The Bulls had a players-only meeting after their 1st game, a 124-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at home Wednesday. Chicago failed to cover as a 2.5-point favorite. It was led by F DeMar DeRozan, who had 20 points. The Bulls ended last season with a 21-19-1 ATS home record.
Raptors at Bulls odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:18 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Raptors +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Bulls -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +2.5 (-110) | Bulls -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Raptors at Bulls key injuries
Raptors
- None
Bulls
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Raptors at Bulls picks and predictions
Prediction
Bulls 108, Raptors 105
Moneyline
BET BULLS (-135).
Simply put, the Bulls are better than they showed. G Zach LaVine shot 4-of-16 from the field, and Chicago shot 41% from the field and 29% from deep. Both of those should improve against the Raptors.
Similarly, Schroder and F OG Anunoby combined for 15-for-30 shooting, and they likely won’t be that efficient in this matchup. The Raptors also held the Wolves to 34% from the field and won by just 3. On the road, they may not have the same fortune.
Chicago was 22-19 at home last season and 14-8 as a home favorite. With a similar roster, expect the Bulls to bounce back. Take BULLS (-135).
Against the spread
PASS.
I wouldn’t risk it. Just take Bulls on the moneyline as they were solid at home last season and should bounce back.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 217.5 (-110).
The pace of play just isn’t there for either team. The Bulls rank 17th, and the Raptors rank 15th. Last season the Bulls were 18th and the Raptors 25th.
The Raptors also finished with the 11th-best defensive rating and have a similar roster with strong defensive forwards. The Wolves-Raptors went for Under the total with the Bulls-Thunder only going Over due to OKC dropping 124.
Expect a slow-paced game and take UNDER 217.5 (-110).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Spurs Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]
