The Toronto Raptors (35-14) will try to prolong their 10-game winning streak against the Chicago Bulls (19-32) at Scotiabank Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 2, 2020, and will air on The Sports Network.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 217 points with Toronto set as a 10.5-point favorite at DraftKings.
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
In the Bulls’ last contest, they were defeated by the Brooklyn Nets, 133-118, and were unable to cover as 5.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (251) came in well over the projected point total of 219. Brooklyn’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Chicago. The Nets had a rate of 0.719 (above their season average of 0.511), while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.558. Zach LaVine led Chicago in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The Raptors defeated the Detroit Pistons in their last game, 105-92, easily covering as 3.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (197) finished well under the O/U total of 222.5. Toronto’s 0.571 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Detroit, who had a rate of 0.424. The Raptors’ mark was above their season average of 0.531, while the Pistons’ was below their season average of 0.536. Pascal Siakam was the game’s top scorer with 30 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field.
Toronto could have their way on the defensive side of the ball as they face off against one of the league’s worst offenses. The Raptors currently rank second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500), while Chicago is 24th in effective field goal percentage (0.509).
Chicago holds records of 19-32 straight up (SU) and 23-28 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Toronto is 35-14 SU and 27-21-1 ATS. Much like Chicago, games involving the Raptors have finished over the total 51.0 percent of the time.
The Raptors have emerged victorious in both contests against the Bulls this year, escaping with a narrow one-point victory in their last matchup. Toronto was unable to cover as a 6-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 185 points, which was 29.5 points below the projected point total of 214.5 points. One of Toronto’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Chicago had just 14. LaVine had a double-double in the loss with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Bulls at Raptors Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Toronto averages 20.3 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the league. Chicago ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
Toronto ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.9) while Chicago ranks 16th (48.6).
The Raptors rank ninth in assists per game (25.6) while the Bulls rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (25.0).
Toronto is 14-10 ATS at home, while Chicago is 12-13 ATS on the road.
In its last five outings, Chicago is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Toronto is 3-2 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 2.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 115.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
