NBA Action – Raptors Host Bulls
The Chicago Bulls (16-22 SU, 16-22 ATS, 20-17-1 O/U) have dropped two straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook, failing to cover the spread in the BetUS Sportsbook each time out. The Toronto Raptors (16-23 SU, 16-22-1 ATS, 22-17 O/U) have also dropped two consecutive games though they did manage to cover the spread for BetUS NBA betting backers in their last contest.
Tonight, the mediocre ballclubs will each be looking to get back in the win column when they square off at Air Canada Centre.
Veteran power forward Drew Gooden led Chicago with 22 points and nine rebounds in its 109-95 loss to Portland on Monday night. Chicago failed to cover the spread as 2-point road favorites in the BetUS Sportsbook while the game played over the 195-point O/U total.
Former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani led Toronto with 23 points and eight rebounds in its 115-109 overtime loss to Boston on Monday night.
“Our guys fought,” Raptors coach Jay Triano said. “I was pleased with our performance. … We just remind our guys that we have to keep being aggressive and keep taking the ball to the basket, and I think that’s how we’ll become a better basketball team.”
The Raptors have played without starting forward Jermaine O’Neal for the past eight games while point guard Jose Calderon has missed five of Toronto’s last six games.
The Bulls welcomed back point guard Kirk Hinrich on Monday after the veteran missed 31 games with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Forward Luol Deng also returned from an eight-game absence due to a sprained ankle, but Chicago was outscored 88-67 over the final three quarters in its loss to Portland.
“It’s good to have Kirk and Luol back,” said Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro. “Now we have to work on our rotation, our minutes and our practice time and get back on track. … You hope it will affect the team well, but you don’t know.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Chicago is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games when playing Toronto
Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 games when playing Chicago
NBA Odds
Chicago Bulls +4 -110
Toronto Raptors -4 -110
Over 201 -110
Under 201 -110
Analysis: While both teams have been mired in slumps recently, it is the Chicago Bulls that are really playing poorly at the moment. While the Toronto Raptors have dropped two straight games, they are still playing hard for head coach Jay Triano which is why I like them to win this contest and cover the spread narrowly at home.
