The Toronto Raptors are no strangers to playing shorthanded — it’s been their reality for most of the season — and that’s the script again tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
Still, Toronto has been competitive at Scotiabank Arena, and my Bulls vs. Raptors predictions point to another do-it-all performance from the hosts’ stand-in No. 1 option.
Chicago has played its best basketball on the road this year and that also factors into my NBA picks for this December 16 clash.
Raptors vs Bulls prediction
My Raptors pick
RJ Barrett Over 32.5 points + assists (-110 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors were eager to expand RJ Barrett’s skill set this season, but I doubt they envisioned it happening quite like this.
Without Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, Barrett is being asked to carry a huge scoring and playmaking burden — and, in some ways, this pick comes down to the ‘where else are the numbers coming from?’ question when looking at this Toronto rotation.
Barrett’s last five outings include 30 points on Monday against the Knicks on 13-for-24 shooting and a 37-point effort against the Heat. He’s shooting 50% from the field this month, with a respectable 36% mark from downtown, and no one will have any complaints if he gets up 25 shots tonight.
As the stand-in point guard, Barrett is free to run the show and that should translate to a healthy assist tally, especially if the Chicago Bulls turn to double teams.
This is new territory for him, but he served up 10 dimes last time out, despite some ugly turnovers, as part of a triple-double. Darko Rajakovic seems content to give Barrett these playmaking reps, even with Davion Mitchell on the roster.
It also helps that this is a very favorable matchup for Barrett. Only the Wizards allow more points per game than the up-and-down Bulls (121.9), so there should be ample opportunities to attack the rim and get out in transition.
As such, I’m taking the Over on this combo prop with the expectation that No. 9 is going to be at the heart of everything for the hosts.
Raptors vs Bulls same-game parlay
RJ Barrett Over 32.5 points + assists
Bulls moneyline
Gradey Dick Over 2.5 threes
Once again, the Bulls don’t look like making much noise in the East, but they’ve got a talent edge tonight, even if Zach LaVine (questionable) misses out. Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball are probable, and the visitors are getting steady production from Josh Giddey and Coby White.
While the Raptors have covered the spread in 10 of their last 12 home games, I’m throwing out that trend given the mounting injuries, especially as the Bulls should win the numbers game from beyond the arc. The visitors attempt the second most 3-pointers in the league, while the hosts fire up the second-fewest.
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last six outings and looks like good value to improve on its 7-6 road mark.
The same logic from the Barrett pick also applies to Gradey Dick, who’s poised for another high-volume outing in this undermanned Toronto offense.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Bulls odds
Raptors vs Bulls live odds
Raptors vs Bulls opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +1 | Chicago -1
- Moneyline: Toronto -105 | Chicago -115
- Over/Under: Over 239.5 | Under 239.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada.
Raptors vs Bulls spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Bulls and Raptors have split their past 10 meetings, but Toronto has lost seven of its last 10 games — including four in a row — and enters as a slight home underdog.
- Chicago has won two of its last three road contests, headlined by a 139-124 shootout in San Antonio.
- The Under is 7-2-1 in the past 10 meetings between these teams, and that’s been a winning ticket in four of the Raptors’ last five games.
- The Over is 43-30 across Chicago’s last 73 contests, but LaVine’s absence would put a ceiling on the visitors’ offensive output.
Raptors vs Bulls trend
The Raptors have cashed the first-quarter Over in 21 of their last 29 games at Scotiabank Arena. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Bulls.
How to watch Raptors vs Bulls
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Monday, 12-16-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Raptors vs Bulls latest injuries
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