The Chicago Bulls (21-53), 13.5-point underdogs, will travel to Scotiabank Arena to square off against the Toronto Raptors (51-23). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221 points and it will air on NBC Sports Chicago at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Raptors (11.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 115-114, while the Bulls (11-point underdogs) fell to the Utah Jazz, 114-83. The Toronto game finished 5.5 points over the projected point total of 223.5, while the Chicago game finished 16.5 points under the projected point total of 213.5.
Chicago did an excellent job of making free throws (15-20; 75.0 percent) while Toronto made 11 of their 26 three pointers (42.3 percent). Toronto was lifted by Kawhi Leonard, who had 28 points and nine rebounds. Lauri Markkanen, meanwhile played well for Chicago, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors have won both contests against the Bulls this year. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 184 points, well under the projected point total of 207. Toronto won 95-89 but was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite. Toronto had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.5 vs. 16.7). Chicago, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.456 vs. 0.418). Siakam recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Bulls games, with 40 unders compared to 33 overs. Chicago comes into the game with records of 21-53 straight up (SU) and 33-39-2 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Raptors’ 74 games, 42 have finished over the total. Toronto has a solid 51-23 SU record, but they are just 32-40-2 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Toronto should have a noteworthy advantage. The elite Raptors offense ranks third in the NBA in that metric at 0.540, while the suspect Chicago defense is ranked 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.539).
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Bulls rank 14th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- Toronto ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.4) while Chicago ranks 26th (4.4).
- The Raptors rank 14th in assists per game (25.0) while the Bulls rank 26th (22.1).
- Toronto ranks 19th in second chance points per game (13.0) while Chicago ranks last (10.7).
- Toronto ranks 17th in rebounds per game (45.1) while Chicago ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
- The Raptors rank 12th in three pointers attempted per game (33.5) while the Bulls rank 27th (26.2).
- The Raptors rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while the Bulls rank 16th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.7).
- Toronto averages 49.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the league. Chicago ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (49.1).
- Toronto ranks fourth in fast break points per game (18.6) while Chicago ranks 17th (12.1).
- Chicago is 8-5 when they allow below 100 points, while Toronto is 13-1.
- The Raptors are 48-17 when they score more than 100 points, while the Bulls are 17-33.
- Chicago is 19-16-2 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 16-21-1 ATS at home.
- Of the Bulls’ 37 road games, they have 18 overs, 18 unders and 1 push.
- In 38 home games, the Raptors have 20 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Raptors are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push, while Toronto has 4 overs and 1 push.
- The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 7.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 116.2 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.4 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
