TORONTO RAPTORS VS. CHICAGO BULLS – 10/26/2019 FREE PICK & NBA BETTING PREDICTION

This is being written in advance of Toronto’s game in Boston on Friday night. This will be their first back to back and that game against the Celtics the more important contest.

Toronto looked pretty good in their opener, beating the Pelicans in overtime. They got scoring from the places they needed it from which was key.

Chicago will also be on a back to back in this one, they will be at Memphis on Friday night. Their opener did not go as well, losing by a point at Charlotte.

Toronto Raptors

This is a game where Toronto is going to have to play some more guys – they only played eight in their opening win against New Orleans.

Those eight looked pretty darn good though, most were members of last year’s title-winning team and they were led by 34 points apiece from Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet.

VanVleet was actually in a starting role next to Kyle Lowry in the backcourt. It makes the team a little small back there but if Freddie can keep knocking down shots I don’t think it will be a problem most nights.

Siakam was the most improved player in the league last season and if he keeps playing like he did in the opener, maybe he wins it again…if that is even possible.

The only player who got some run and was not with the team last year was Terence Davis, a rookie. He is very athletic and shows good feel on both sides of the floor.

They are going to need more bodies to contribute to this one though. The question is who will coach Nick Nurse turn to because he blasted some vets in the preseason for not quite getting with the program. You can do that when you are coming off a title.

The first back to back of a season is always an interesting spot. There is going to be no load management for the Raptors this season either. Or so it seems.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago is hoping to turn the corner this season. Health and development will be the key.

Lauri Markkanen showed the ceiling of his potential with 35 points and 17 rebounds in the opening loss. He put up those numbers while making only 1 of 7 three-pointers. He is a much better shooter than that so perhaps he is poised for a big season.

They want him to pair with Wendell Carter to form a potent duo up front. Carter was just so so in their opener, dealing with fouls but I am still high on him. More as a complementary player than a star.

Coby White, their top pick, looked good off the bench. It is only a matter of time before he assumes the starting point guard spot. When he does this team will play with more zip but his shooting is going to have to hold steady.

NBA Betting Trends:

TOR are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
TOR are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 Sat. games.
Under is 9-4-1 in TOR last 14 road games.
CHI are 6-22 ATS in their last 28 home games.
Over is 6-2 in CHI last 8 Sat. games.
Over is 5-2-1 in CHI last 8 overall.

Free Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls NBA Prediction:

This is going to be an interesting game for Toronto, whether they win or lose in Boston. The coach is going to have to play some guys he is uncomfortable with and it might go great or poorly.

Those players do have to be stars but they have to play well with the existing core. If they are lost out there then the Raptors will probably lose.