The Toronto Raptors are looking to extend their season-best winning streak to six games as they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. The Raptors have been on a tear, winning seven of their last eight games, including a dominant 106-82 road victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. This marked the first time the Raptors have won five straight since March 24-April 1, 2022.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, converting 27 Washington turnovers into 32 points. The Raptors turned it over only 14 times, resulting in 12 points. Toronto held Washington to 38.9 percent shooting from the field, including 16.7 percent from 3-point range. Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji each added 12 points, while eight players scored in double digits. The Raptors shot 47.7 percent from the field overall and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.
The Raptors are evolving into a strong defensive team, with Poeltl playing a crucial role.
The Raptors will be looking to avenge their 122-121 home loss to the Bulls on December 16, when Nikola Vucevic scored 24 points to lead Chicago.
The Bulls opened a three-game road trip with a 122-100 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. This result helped the Raptors move to within 4.5 games of the Bulls for the final Eastern Conference play-in spot. Chicago’s Zach LaVine missed the game due to paternity leave and is expected to miss the next two games as well.
The Bulls allowed the Celtics to score 27 points off 15 turnovers. Coby White, returning from a bone bruise in his left ankle, scored 16 points. Reserve Patrick Williams also had 16 points. However, White and Williams combined for six turnovers, while Lonzo Ball committed three.
The Celtics took 15 more free throws than the Bulls, going 22-for-27, while Chicago was 11-for-12.
Immanuel Quickley (hip) and Kelly Olynyk (calf) are listed as questionable for the Raptors after sitting out Wednesday’s game.
This matchup promises to be an exciting clash as the Raptors aim to keep their winning streak alive and close the gap in the standings.
