The Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls meet for a win-or-go home play-in match, where both cannot afford to lose in this match. These two teams worked really hard to earn a spot in the play-in. Since the Raptors and the Bulls are in the ninth and tenth in the East respectively, a win is their only chance to qualify for the next round. With 41 wins from their 82 games, the Raptors are placed in the ninth of the East. The Bulls on the other hand is at the 10th in the East with 40 points from their 82 matches. Raptors will host this match on April 13, 2023, at 7:00 AM (GMT+8).
Since this is a play-in for the ninth and 10th team, the losers no longer have the chance for the playoffs. Winners of this match will face the Heat, who lost their match against the Hawks, who already earned a spot in the playoffs. In the regular season, these two teams had three meetings. From those three meetings, it was the hosts who had more wins, winning twice, while the visitors only had one. Those wins are all coming from home, but the tone of the game could be different here. Nonetheless, these two teams are desperate to get the win here to avoid early elimination.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors had a tough time earning their spot in the play-in, fighting their way, all the way to the play-in. When it comes to their home game, the Raptors are actually outstanding in this format. Raptors have proven that they are a team effective when it comes to transition, rather than in half-court set. However, defense is not a problem for the Raptors, as they have been doing excellently in that area. On their last 10 matches in the regular season, they recorded six wins and four losses. Moreover, the Raptors are not that well in the field, as they are averaging 45.9% shooting in the field. Fortunately, they were able to take care of their business in the charity stripe, shooting over 78.4%. They are at the 24th in offense with 112.9 points per game, but fourth in defense, as they give up just 111.4 points per game.
Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with 24.2 points per game, and receiving contributions from Fred VanVleet with 19.3 points per game. Otto Porter Jr. on the other hand is an absentee for this match, after undergoing a season-ending surgery.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ struggle this season is very clear, which they can be considered as a team fortunate to play in the play-in. All season, they have been aiming to make improvements with their starting lineup, but to no avail. Four of their five starters are already secured by Lavine, DeRozan, Vucevic, and Beverley, but the fifth is always up for grabs. It is just unfortunate that this season have been an injury-plagued season for them. For this play-in match, DeRozan says that they just need to be composed in order to win this game. He also added that instead of thinking of the playoffs, they need to pass this test first. They are also aiming to bounce back against the Raptors, where they dropped their two matches against them. Offensively, they are at the 22nd with 113.1 points per game, and seventh in defense allowing 111.8 points per game.
Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRomzan are the two leaders for the Bulls, as they score 24.8 and 24.5 points per game respectively. Lonzo Ball’s return for the Bulls is still unsure, as he had a major surgery on his knee, which is unfortunate for the Bulls. Justin Lewis on the other hand is also absent due to an issue in the knee.
Prediction:
Toronto Raptors
Total Under: 110.5
Odds: 0.81
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