Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls: Game Preview, Prediction
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
Toronto Raptors (22-6) vs. Chicago Bulls (17-9)
Game Time, TV: Monday, Dec. 22 – 8:30 ET on NBA League Pass
Projected Starting Lineups:
Toronto Raptors: PG Kyle Lowry, SG Landry Fields, SF Terrence Ross, PF Amir Johnson, C Jonas Valanciunas
Chicago Bulls: PG Derrick Rose, SG Jimmy Butler, SF Mike Dunleavy, PF Pau Gasol, C Joakim Noah
The Raptors have quietly dominated the Eastern Conference to begin the year, as they prepare to go up against one of their biggest threats once again when they play the Bulls on Monday night.
While many believe that the Bulls or Cleveland Cavaliers will ultimately represent the East in the NBA Finals, do not tell that to the Raptors. They are currently 22-6 and have still found a way to play excellent basketball even after losing All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan last month due to injury. The Raptors have become Kyle Lowry’s team, and the diminutive guard has been phenomenal to begin the year thanks to his fearless shooting and play-making ability in the open court.
The Bulls have struggled to remain healthy, as Rose (who is a game-time decision for tonight’s match), Taj Gibson, Gasol and Noah have all battled a variety of injuries so far this year. But so far, the Bulls are in fine shape with a 17-9 record. Offensively, this is a much better team than they had last season, with a deeper bench that has the ability to step up when one of the starters has to miss time.
The key matchup for this game will be Rose (if he plays) vs. Lowry. Both are explosive at going to the rim and difficult to stay in front of. Where Rose tends to attack the rim relentlessly, Lowry is a nice mix of clever drives and pull-up jumpers. Rose has shown flashes of his former MVP self when healthy, while Lowry continues to accept more responsibility as expectations concerning him and his team continue to rise.
In the end, I see the Bulls winning this game. Both of these teams have good benches, but the starting unit for the Bulls is considerably better, in my opinion. Add in the fact that this game will be played in Chicago, and I think the Bulls take it and gain a game on their Eastern Conference rivals.
Prediction: Bulls 108, Raptors 102
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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