UPDATE: Sunday’s Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors game was postponed as Toronto won’t have the required minimum of eight players available due to COVID-19 contact tracing.
The Toronto Raptors (17-17) host the Chicago Bulls (15-17) at their 2020-21 season home of Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., Sunday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Bulls-Raptors odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Raptors thumped the Houston Rockets 122-111 Friday to snap a mini two-game losing skid. They had previously won four straight, including two over the Milwaukee Bucks. PF Pascal Siakam has been ruled out until after the All-Star break due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Bulls had a three-game winning streak end with a 106-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns on home court Friday. Their previous three wins each came by a margin of at least 8 points.
The two Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls haven’t met in over a year. Toronto has won 12 straight against Chicago dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Bulls at Raptors: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bulls +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Raptors -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Bulls +4.5 (-115) | Raptors -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 222.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Bulls at Raptors: Key injuries
Bulls
- PF Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) out
- SF Otto Porter Jr. (back) out
Raptors
- PF Pascal Siakam (health and safety protocols) out
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Bulls at Raptors: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Bulls 109, Raptors 107
Money line (ML)
The BULLS (+150) are worth a bet as an underdog value play. The Raptors rely heavily on 3-pointers and will need to even more heavily with Siakam out of the lineup.
They’re fourth in the league in 3-point attempts per game (40.2) and sixth in success rate behind the arc (38.3%), but the Bulls hold opponents to just a 35.3% clip from 3-point range to rank sixth in 3-point defense. Offensively, the Bulls are ninth in 3-point percentage, and the Raps are just 18th in 3-point defense.
Chicago’s key will be ball control, as it ranks last in the NBA with 16.2 turnovers per game and Toronto is second while forcing 16.4 opponent turnovers per game. That area of the Raps’ game will also suffer without Siakam.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The BULLS +4.5 (-115) are a much better play on the spread, where they’ll need to stay within 4 points in a loss if unable to get the outright win.
Chicago attempts just 19.6 free throws per game to rank 28th in the Association so we need to hedge our money line bet out of fear of the Bulls slipping late in the game.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 222.5 (-105) with Chicago’s strong 3-point defense limiting the Raptors’ offensive output. Both teams also had a rest day Saturday and are without their main interior presence.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Free agency stock watch (Hoops Hype)
- Ignite extremely happy to see Donta Hall sign with Raptors (Rookie Wire)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
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