The Chicago Bulls aim to replicate the energy and effort they displayed on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.
The Bulls’ only lapse against Charlotte occurred early in the third quarter.
On the other hand, the Raptors have lost four consecutive games and continue to battle injuries. Scottie Barnes, who missed 11 games earlier this season with an orbital fracture, suffered a sprained ankle during a home loss to the New York Knicks last Monday. According to SI.com, Barnes was out of his walking boot at practice on Sunday.
Barnes’ absence was felt in a 114-104 road loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday.
RJ Barrett recorded his second triple-double of the season and his career (13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) on Thursday, though he shot just 5-for-18 from the field. Gradey Dick scored 22 points, including 12 in the first quarter when Toronto led 27-23. Jakob Poeltl, who was dealing with back spasms and did not start, came off the bench to score 16 points.
Toronto held a 41-25 lead with 8:38 remaining in the second quarter before Miami took control.
With Immanuel Quickley (elbow) still out, Raptors head coach Rajakovic remains optimistic about having a full roster soon.
The Bulls welcomed forward Patrick Williams (foot) back on Friday after a 10-game absence. He scored four points on 1-for-7 shooting from the field in 14 minutes.
Zach LaVine (back), who leads the Bulls in scoring at 21.7 points per game, is questionable. Nikola Vucevic (illness), who averages 21.0 points and a team-leading 9.8 rebounds per game, did not play Friday but is probable for Monday.
The Bulls have made at least 10 three-pointers in 26 consecutive games, marking the longest streak in team history.
