Game Preview: Raptors vs. Bulls at United Center
It’s Friday, February 28, and the Toronto Raptors (18-41) and Chicago Bulls (23-36) are set to face off at the United Center in Chicago. The Raptors have struggled on the road, with a 5-22 record and a point differential of -6. Meanwhile, the Bulls have had a rough time at home, posting a 2-8 record in their last ten games. Chicago has swept their two meetings this season, winning by one and 16 points, respectively.
Recent Performance and Trends
Both teams have had a tough run since the All-Star break, each going 1-3. The Bulls, however, have been particularly inconsistent, with a 1-7 record over their last eight games, their sole win coming against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors, despite their poor road record, are still in the hunt for a play-in spot, making this game crucial for their aspirations.
Game Details and How to Watch
Never miss a second of the action—stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. For a detailed matchup page that updates live in-game, check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page. The Raptors and Bulls clash at the United Center, and you can catch all the action live.
Odds and Betting Lines
The latest odds as of Friday give the Raptors an implied team point total of 116.63 and the Bulls 117.41. If you’re looking for the best lines on this game, check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get the latest updates from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and more.
Expert Picks and Predictions
NBC Sports Bet offers expert picks and predictions for every NBA game, and for this Raptors vs. Bulls matchup, the insights are crucial. Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) is leaning towards the Raptors +1.5 and on the moneyline. He believes Toronto, despite their record, is the better team and needs this win to stay in the play-in race.
Model Projections and Best Bets
Our model calculates projections based on recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends, and projected game totals. For today’s game, NBC Sports Bet is recommending the following bets:
- Moneyline: Chicago Bulls on the Moneyline
- Spread: Chicago Bulls at -1 ATS
- Total: Under 234
For more in-depth NBA best bets and predictions, visit the Expert NBA Predictions page on NBC Sports for moneyline, spread, and over/under picks for every game on the calendar.
Key Stats and Trends
Several trends are worth noting as the Raptors and Bulls prepare for their Friday night showdown:
- Eastern Conference Central Division teams have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Atlantic Division sides.
- The Bulls’ last 9 home games against the Raptors have stayed under the Total.
- The Bulls are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games.
- Betting the Bulls on the Money Line in all games this season would have shown a 106% return on investment.
For more key trends and stats, explore the NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports. Stay tuned to Bet the Edge for daily insights and follow our experts on social media for the latest content and updates.
