Returning from a six-game roadtrip, the Raptors showed how much they missed their home crowd by providing an entertaining fourth quarter rally. They were playing flat for most of the period against the Jazz when they suddenly boomed and ran away with a 101-93 victory. The usual suspects, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, got it done for the Raps and combined for 56 points.
Expect the dynamic backcourt partners to continue what they’re doing moving forward. They are powering the team to have an explosive offense, one that ranks third in points (110 PPG) and second in offensive efficiency in the league. Both are also putting up career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage.
Lowry – 22.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.1 APG on 47.4-percent shooting
Derozan – 27.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 4 APG on 47.3-percent shooting
On defense, although they are only 12th in points allowed (103.4 PPG) and 19th in defensive efficiency, we doubt that there are worries, especially when you consider their ability to secure the ball (11.8 turnovers per game, fewest in the league) and pick their opponents’ pockets (9.2 SPG).
The Raptors are 12-6 SU and ATS on the road this season.
The Bulls will be coming off great back-to-back wins. After a memorable 118-111 victory over the Hornets, where Jimmy Butler went for 52 points, they defeated the Cavaliers at the Q, 106-94. With those Ws, they are now 18-18 and back at the .500 mark.
As they try to matchup with the Raptors, the Bulls should have no problem winning the battle of the boards. Through bruisers Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson, along with Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Butler, which is arguably the best trio of rebounding guards in one team in the league, Chi-town is hauling in a an NBA-high 13.7 offensive RPG and 47.4 total RPG.
Scoring-wise, however, the Bulls may have a tough road ahead. There’s just a shortage in tools offensively beyond Butler (25.2 PPG) and Wade’s (18.5 PPG) production. Also, they’re one of the worst shooting teams today – 43.6 percent (28th overall).
