The Toronto Raptors faced off against the Chicago Bulls on February 28, 2025, at the United Center, trying to break out of a recent slump. Despite struggling all season, the Raptors had hope as they were slight 1.5-point underdogs against the Bulls, who had only managed one win out of their last eight games.
The Raptors entered the game with concerns following their recent schedule, which had seen them play three games within four nights. Their last outing was less than ideal; they suffered a 111-91 loss to the Indiana Pacers, marking the fourth defeat out of the last five games for Toronto. Nevertheless, the Raptors were optimistic about their chances due to the return of Jakob Poeltl, who had missed previous games but was back on the court, actively contributing.
Jakob Poeltl's impact was expected to be significant. Averaging 14.1 points per game this season, Poeltl had just returned to the lineup and was set to play against the Bulls' struggling defense, which ranked last in the NBA for points allowed in the paint. He demonstrated resilience during his recent performance, scoring 10 points against the Pacers, and was projected to have even more opportunities against the Bulls.
With the injury struggles plaguing the Bulls, including the absence of their main center Nikola Vucevic (doubtful before the game), the Raptors aimed to exploit Chicago’s vulnerabilities inside. "The Jak Attack is back!" hailed one analyst, noting Poeltl's potential to out-muscle the Bulls down low, especially since not only Vucevic was out, but Chicago was dealing with multiple injuries, including Patrick Williams and backup center Jalen Smith.
Scottie Barnes, the young forward, was also making his return after missing the last game due to a hip contusion. This was particularly notable as Barnes has been key for Toronto, averaging nearly 20 points and contributing heavily to the defense. According to Cleaning The Glass, Toronto allows 5.5 fewer points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor. His return positioned him to play alongside Poeltl and provided the Raptors with greater depth and versatility.
The Raptors' betting odds reflected some confidence from analysts, who had observed the Bulls’ dismal play, particularly on the defensive end. Both teams had struggled against the spread, with Toronto holding 34-24-1 against the odds and Chicago at 28-30-1. This established the matchup as not only pivotal for standings but also for betting trends, as the Raptors had shown resilience at picking up the Moneyline, hitting it 10 out of their last 20 games.
Meanwhile, on the Bulls' side, they were still searching for stability since trading away Zach LaVine earlier. The loss of LaVine did not bolster their defense as anticipated; they ranked third-worst for defensive rating over their last eight games. Coby White, another player who had been underperforming, saw his scoring average drop to 12.8 points over his last six games, which contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Bulls' ability to score consistently.
Statistically, both teams were facing challenges. The Raptors were 22nd overall and ranked 20th for total rebounds, which could be devastating against the Bulls, who ranked 28th for rebounding and rippling the ball back. Given the circumstances, the game had the feel of two teams jockeying to find themselves.
The Raptors were slightly favored to exceed the over/under total, which started at 234 points but drifted down to 232.5 as betting approaches matured. Analysts leaned toward the over possibility, citing high-tempo play and poor defensive statistics from both teams, indicating the potential for high-scoring exchanges.
Toronto's performance narrative painted the Raptors as underdogs fighting to escape their recent woes. They were determined to capitalize on Chicago's deteriorated state following the trade and injuries. Toronto's coach emphasized the importance of rebounding and defending the paint to outmatch their opponents.
With the game set to tip off at 8:00 PM ET, many fans were eager to see if the Raptors could build momentum off the return of key players like Barnes and Poeltl. The game was broadcast on TSN and CHSN, offering fans across the nation the opportunity to witness the matchup live.
Players to watch included not only Poeltl and Barnes for the Raptors but also Scottie Barnes’ performance against the depleted Bulls roster. The Raptors were hoping for at least some semblance of consistency as they faced their Eastern Conference rivals, aiming to regain footing and bring their record closer to .500 as the season advanced to the final stretch. Could this be the game where Toronto finally finds their stride?
After the pre-game build-up, fans and analysts alike were speculating about the possibility of Toronto avoiding another loss and seizing what could be perceived as a winnable game. Amid the Bulls’ struggles and the changing dynamics of both teams, any victory could serve as the catalyst for Toronto’s improving hope as the playoff picture tightened. Only time would reveal if they could, against the odds, salvage their season against Chicago’s faltering squad as the pressure mounted.