NFL Pickwatch - Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/16/2024 7:30 PM EST

We have your Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Chicago Bulls hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors.

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Chicago Bulls -118 (FanDuel) / Toronto Raptors -100 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: 1.0 - Chicago Bulls -112 (DraftKings) / Toronto Raptors -108 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 238.5 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 12/16/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, ON)
TV: NBA League Pass

Chicago Bulls Betting Trends

On the road, the Chicago Bulls have 7 wins and 6 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Chicago Bulls have 3 wins and 1 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Chicago Bulls have 11 wins and 15 losses.

Toronto Raptors Betting Trends

At home, the Toronto Raptors have 6 wins and 7 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Toronto Raptors have 7 wins and 19 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Toronto Raptors have 7 wins and 19 losses.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors have faced each other four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, the Raptors have been more successful against the spread, covering in three of the four matchups, while the Bulls have covered only once. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total going under the set line in three of the four contests, and only one game surpassing the over.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on January 30, 2024, where the Toronto Raptors emerged victorious over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 118-107. The Raptors were led by Gary Trent Jr., who scored 24 points, including a significant three-point shot in the first quarter. Bruce Brown also contributed 19 points, highlighted by a long-range three-pointer in the fourth quarter. The Bulls' top performer was DeMar DeRozan, who scored 25 points, including a driving dunk in the fourth quarter. The Raptors shot 51.8% from the field and recorded 34 assists, while the Bulls shot 50.7% and had 21 assists. Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but the Raptors capitalized more effectively on fast break opportunities.

In the January 30 game, the Raptors were the underdogs with a moneyline of +235, yet they managed to secure a win against the spread, which was set at -7 in favor of the Bulls. The game total was set at 226, and the final combined score of 225 resulted in the game going under by a single point. The Raptors' largest lead in the game was 11 points, while the Bulls had a larger lead at one point, reaching 16 points. This game exemplified the competitive nature of the matchups between these two teams, with both sides showing the ability to take control at different points during the game.

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Preview

The Chicago Bulls are set to face the Toronto Raptors in a highly anticipated matchup at the Scotiabank Arena. The Bulls, currently holding an 11-15 record, are looking to build on their recent victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite their struggles with consistency, the Bulls have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with the return of Lonzo Ball, who has been gradually working his way back into form after a long injury layoff. Ball's performance against the Hornets, where he contributed across the board, was a promising sign for Chicago as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

However, the Bulls face uncertainty with key players. Zach LaVine, who has been a reliable scorer for the team, is listed as questionable due to lower back spasms. His presence on the court could be pivotal, given his impressive averages this season and his historical performance against the Raptors. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic, who missed the last game due to illness, is expected to return, providing a much-needed boost in the paint for Chicago.

On the other side, the Toronto Raptors are in a challenging phase, having lost four consecutive games. Injuries have plagued the team, with Scottie Barnes recently sidelined due to a sprained ankle. Despite these setbacks, the Raptors have shown resilience, with players like Gradey Dick stepping up in recent games. The team is eager to end their losing streak and will rely on their home-court advantage, where they have a slightly better record compared to their overall performance this season.

Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, and this matchup promises to be a closely contested battle. The Bulls have been slightly more successful on the road, while the Raptors will look to leverage their home crowd to regain momentum. With both teams having split their last four encounters evenly, this game is set to be another intriguing chapter in their rivalry.

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Pick: Toronto Raptors Moneyline

In this intriguing matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors, the case for picking the Raptors on the moneyline is compelling, despite their recent struggles. The Raptors, currently enduring a four-game losing streak, are desperate to turn their fortunes around, and playing at home provides them with a crucial advantage. Historically, the Raptors have been able to capitalize on their home court, boasting a slightly better record at Scotiabank Arena compared to their overall performance this season.

Injuries have certainly been a challenge for Toronto, with key players like Scottie Barnes sidelined. However, the Raptors have shown resilience, with emerging talents such as Gradey Dick stepping up in recent games. Dick's impressive 22-point performance against the Knicks, including a strong start in the first quarter, highlights the potential for other players to fill the void left by injured teammates. Additionally, the Raptors' ability to distribute the ball effectively, as evidenced by their 34 assists in their last encounter with the Bulls, underscores their team-oriented approach, which could be pivotal in this matchup.

On the other hand, the Bulls face their own set of uncertainties. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with Lonzo Ball's promising return, the potential absence of Zach LaVine due to back spasms could significantly impact their offensive capabilities. LaVine's scoring prowess has been a cornerstone for the Bulls, and his questionable status adds a layer of unpredictability to their lineup. Furthermore, although Nikola Vucevic is expected to return, the Bulls' recent inconsistency, especially on the road, raises questions about their ability to maintain momentum.

Given these factors, the Raptors' determination to end their losing streak, combined with their home-court advantage and the Bulls' injury concerns, makes Toronto a strong pick on the moneyline. The Raptors have demonstrated the ability to compete closely with the Bulls in past matchups, and with the support of their home crowd, they are well-positioned to secure a victory in this encounter.

Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Top Player Prop Picks

Zach LaVine Over 3.5 Rebounds -115 (bet365)

Zach LaVine has been a consistent performer for the Chicago Bulls this season, averaging 4.4 rebounds per game. Despite being listed as questionable due to lower back spasms, LaVine's historical performance against the Raptors suggests he could be a key player if he takes the court. In 22 career games against Toronto, LaVine has averaged 4.5 rebounds, which is above the line set for this matchup. Given his ability to contribute across various statistical categories, betting on LaVine to exceed 3.5 rebounds seems a solid choice, especially considering his importance to the Bulls' lineup and their need for his presence on the boards.

Gradey Dick Over 2.5 3Fgm -130 (DraftKings)

Gradey Dick has emerged as a bright spot for the Toronto Raptors amidst their injury woes. In recent games, he has stepped up significantly, including a standout 22-point performance against the New York Knicks. His ability to score from beyond the arc was evident as he contributed 12 points in the first quarter alone. With the Raptors dealing with key absences, Dick's role as a shooter becomes even more crucial. The line of 2.5 made three-pointers is well within his reach, especially given his recent form and the Raptors' reliance on him to provide offensive firepower from the perimeter.

Jakob Poeltl Over 11.5 Rebounds -105 (DraftKings)

Jakob Poeltl has been a reliable presence in the paint for the Toronto Raptors, and with the team facing a depleted roster, his contributions on the boards are more critical than ever. Poeltl's recent performances have shown his capability to dominate the glass, and with the Raptors needing to compensate for the absence of key players like Scottie Barnes, Poeltl's rebounding will be essential. The line of 11.5 rebounds is a challenging but achievable target for Poeltl, especially considering the Bulls' potential vulnerabilities in the paint if Nikola Vucevic is not at full strength. Poeltl's role as a defensive anchor and his ability to secure rebounds make this prop an attractive option.