The Bulls finally stopped some of the bleeding Saturday night, as they beat the Jazz, 95-86, in only their second win in nine games (3-6 ATS).
Jimmy Butler recorded game-highs 23 points and seven assists, and the young guys followed through, with Bobby Portis scoring a career-high 22 on an efficient 10-for-13 shooting and rookie Denzel Valentine posting the first double-double of his pro career – 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.
Now that Dwyane Wade will be sitting out at least the rest of the regular season (elbow), Portis (10.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG this March) and Valentine (11.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG in his last five) are in a good position to continue contributing well for the team.
Speaking of being in a good position, Chi-town should be feeling great about their chances against the Raptors. They’ve beaten them twice this season, and Butler averaged 30.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in those pair of contests.
The hot-and-cold Raptors still haven’t fully recaptured their rhythm, but it is good that they will be returning from a dominating 116-91 win over the Pacers. The victory saw them shoot 49.5 percent from the floor and have seven players score in double figures.
It’s a game that they can build some momentum on, especially against a Bulls team that they seem to have troubles with. DeMar DeRozan, particularly, who averages a fifth-best 26.8 PPG this season, only shot 5-for-19 in their most recent encounter.
DeRozan should remain as the number one option, since he’s by far one of the best scorers in the league today. Although he still won’t have back court partner Kyle Lowry around (wrist), he’ll have an added power guy down low in Serge Ibaka. The Congan is netting 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks since joining Toronto last month and is side-by-side with another bruiser, Jonas Valancuinas (12.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG).
The Raptors are 5-2 in their last seven games at home (4-3 ATS). They are also inside the top 13 in points, points allowed, offensive efficiency, and defensive efficiency.
Writer’s Prediction
Toronto (-7) avoids a season series sweep, 106-98.
