Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls Preview: 3 Factors to Victory

The Toronto Raptors have been on quite a heater lately. Defeating two playoff contenders in both the Phoenix Suns and the East’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Pistons. Both of those games have shown what Toronto is capable of, of course when healthy. Ironically enough, this streak comes a week prior to me explaining why the Raptors’ have trouble winning against playoff contenders.

Despite that, I’m here to analyze today’s contest between the current 6th-seed Toronto Raptors and the 12th-seed Chicago Bulls. This contest has major implications for both teams’ playoff/play-in pushes. Moreover, I compiled three factors heading into this game that you need to look out for come tip-off.

Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls Preview: 3 Factors to Victory
Factor 1: Collin Murray-Boyles’ Health

If there’s one secret piece in the Raptors’ scheme, it’s rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. This season, Murray-Bolyes is averaging 7.8 PPG, 0.9 blocks in just 22.3 minutes a game, racking 819 fantasy points this season alone. His massive 7’1″ wingspan provides loads of defensive versatility in coach Darko Rajakovic’s system. While he may not win Rookie of The Year due to the close-knit race between the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg and the Hornets’ Kon Knueppel, he has been a connecting puzzle piece to the Raptors’ success off the bench.

However, Murray-Boyles is currently dealing with a sprained left thumb which has ultimately kept him off the hardwood since Feb. 25th. He returned to full practice yesterday (March 17th) for the first time in three weeks. For tonight’s match, he is listed as doubtful, but it’s still a looming possibility that he could be activated.

Even if he does not play tonight, head coach Darko Rajakovic expects him to return at some point during their current five-game road trip, meaning Sandro Mamukelashvili will fill in. 

Factor 2: Brandon Ingram’s Gravity

Since being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram has been consistent through thick and thin. His most recent games certainly show, having two 30-point games in his last five. In the two games Ingram faced against Chicago this season, he has averaged 32.0 PPG, 6 assists, shooting 11.5% from the field.

When BI operates solely in the high-post, Chicago’s 22nd-ranked defense (118.1 defensive rating) usually collapses, leaving the corners wide open. Toronto’s three-point shooting has been inconsistent, shooting approximately 34% as a team (25th ranked in the NBA) These open corners allow Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett to create open shots against a Chicago team that ranks 26th in opponent three-point percentage.

If Chicago defends Toronto’s shooters and guards Ingram one-on-one, he might have another impactful game, leading to a Toronto victory.

Factor 3: Transitional Focus

The Bulls may be 12th in the East, but they remain one of the most dangerous transition teams in the league. In their recent blow to Memphis (132-107), the Bulls feasted on fast-break opportunities, largely ignited by the rebounding and passing of Josh Giddey.

Toronto’s half-court defense has been elite during this two game heater, but they occasionally slack when crashing the glass too aggressively. Quickley and Barrett must focus on “getting back” rather than chasing second-chance points. If Jakob Poeltl (coming off 21-point, 18-rebound dominant performance) can anchor the paint, the Bulls’ primary offensive engines in both Matas Buzelis and Giddey are neutralized.