Feb 28, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bulls and Raptors face off with a chance to extend their season in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Here’s everything you need to know to watch.
The NBA Play-In Tournament got off to a bang Tuesday with the Hawks securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference with a surprise win over the Heat. In the late game, the Lakers escaped in overtime against the Timberwolves to secure the No. 7 in the West.
Wednesday things will continue with the Bulls vs. Raptors in the No. 9 vs. No. 10 game in the East. the loser of this game will be eliminated. The winner will play the Heat on Thursday in a winner-take-all game for the No. 8 seed.
Bulls vs. Raptors projected starting lineups:
No significant rotation players for either team are listed on the injury report. That leaves us with this as the probable starting lineups:
Chicago Bulls:
- PG — Patrick Beverley
- SG — Alex Caruso
- SF — Zach LaVine
- PF — DeMar DeRozan
- C — Nikola Vucevic
Toronto Raptors
- PG — Fred VanVleet
- SG — OG Anuonby
- SF — Pascal Siakam
- PF — Scottie Barnes
- C — Jakob Poeltl
How to watch Bulls vs. Raptors in the NBA Play-In Tournament:
Date: Wednesday, April 12
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Toronto, ON
Arena: Scotiabank Arena
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN, ESPN+, FuboTV (free seven-day trial)
Bulls vs. Raptors prediction:
Both of these teams struggled during the regular season but the Raptors have more talent on paper, as well as homecourt advantage. The Raptors took two of the three games against the Bulls in the regular season, however, the first two games came in November, very early in the season. It wouldn’t be a huge shock to see this go either way but the Raptors are the clear favorites and I would expect them to advance to take on the Heat.
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