The Toronto Raptors will look to extend their win-streak to 6 games when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Scottie Barnes missed out on being named an All-Star reserve, but he’s certainly been playing like one as of late. He has averaged 21.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game since Jan. 1.
The Raptors have an 89.8 defensive rating with Barnes on the court over their last 5 games and they have the top defense in the league over their last 8.
The Bulls have been bad this season with their interior defense, ranking last in opponent points in the paint. They allow 55.9 per game so this will present a great opportunity for Barnes to drive and have Jakob Poeltl feast inside.
The Bulls offense will be limited as they will be without Zach LaVine who’s out due to a personal reason. Without LaVine’s shooting and driving that will limit the Bulls’ offensive attack. Coby White will have to take on more offensively, but with the way Davion Mitchell has been playing defense lately on opposing guards, it will be tough for White. Talen Horton-Tucker (shin) is questionable and Torrey Craig (ankle) is out for Chicago.
For the Raptors Immanuel Quickley (hip) remains out, Kelly Olynyk (calf), Gradey Dick (illness) and Jamal Shead (illness) are all questionable.
Coming into this matchup the Raptors are only 4.5 games back of the Bulls for the final play-in spot in the East. If the Raptors win this game they’ll gain even more ground as the team looks for their 8th win in 9 games.
Chicago Bulls (20-28) vs. Toronto Raptors (15-32)
7:30 p.m. EST, Friday, January 31, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Bulls Starting Lineup:
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Coby White
SF: Ayo Dosunmu
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic
Key Reserves: Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Ochai Agbaji
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Bruce Brown, Orlando Robinson
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