Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet / SN+ (Raptors), CHSN / CHSN App (Bulls); NBA League Pass available with blackouts
This is the 2026-27 regular-season opener for both teams. Toronto welcomes back Kawhi Leonard (re-acquired from the Clippers) to pair with Scottie Barnes after a 46-36 playoff season. Chicago begins a rebuild under new head coach Tiago Splitter with a young core plus veteran additions after a 31-51 campaign.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Bulls: Core features Josh Giddey (primary playmaker), Norman Powell (scoring guard, recent All-Star form), Matas Buzelis, rookie Caleb Wilson, Jalen Smith (expected to start at center with Claxton out), Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Zach Collins, Buddy Hield, Leonard Miller, and Patrick Williams. Projected starters lean toward Giddey, Powell, Buzelis/Okoro, Wilson, and Smith.
Raptors: Star-powered group led by Kawhi Leonard (returning for a second stint), Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and supporting pieces including Brandon Ingram in some projections. Depth includes Collin Murray-Boyles and others. Projected starters typically feature Quickley/Barrett, Leonard, Barnes, and Poeltl.
Injury Report
Bulls:
Nic Claxton (C) – Out (left hamstring strain; expected multi-week absence)
Jordan Hawkins (G) – Out (gastrointestinal illness)
Dailyn Swain (G/F) – Out (gastrointestinal illness)
Zach Collins (F/C) – Probable (right quadriceps strain)
Isaac Okoro (F/G) – Probable (left patellar tendinopathy)
Leonard Miller (F) – Probable (right adductor strain)
Tobe Awaka (F) – Probable (left MCL sprain)
Raptors:
Nate Bittle (C, two-way) – Out (right foot avulsion fracture)
Malachi Smith (two-way) – Inactive/G League
Toronto is essentially at full strength for the Leonard home debut; Chicago is missing its new starting center and two young wings.
Key Player Matchups
Kawhi Leonard / Scottie Barnes vs. Matas Buzelis / Norman Powell / Caleb Wilson: Two-way star power and length for Toronto against Chicago’s young athletic forwards and Powell’s scoring. Leonard’s defensive presence and scoring will test the Bulls’ perimeter.
Josh Giddey / Tre Jones vs. Immanuel Quickley / RJ Barrett: Playmaking and tempo control. Giddey’s vision against Toronto’s guards.
Jakob Poeltl / frontcourt vs. Jalen Smith / Zach Collins: Interior physicality and rebounding. Poeltl’s screen-and-roll game vs. Smith’s mobility with Claxton sidelined.
Overall style: Toronto’s versatile two-way wings and home energy vs. Chicago’s youth, pace, and secondary creation. Expect Toronto to emphasize defense and transition while the Bulls push tempo.
Recent Team Forms
Both are 0-0.
Preseason: Bulls mixed but finished strong (wins over Minnesota, Milwaukee, Phoenix; losses to Denver, Memphis). Raptors also mixed (wins over Clippers and Knicks; losses to Miami, Knicks, and Pistons).
2025-26 regular season: Raptors 46-36 (Eastern Conference playoff team). Bulls 31-51.
Series History
Toronto dominated the 2025-26 season series, winning all three meetings:
March 18, 2026: Raptors 139–109 at Chicago
February 19, 2026: Raptors 110–101 at Chicago
February 5, 2026: Raptors 123–107 at Toronto
Recent head-to-head heavily favors the Raptors.
Betting Trends
High total aligns with both teams’ offensive potential and Chicago’s pace.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 237.5
Toronto Raptors – 10
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, October 20, 2026
