When the Toronto Raptors come to Chicago on Tuesday night, the Chicago Bulls hope to gain on a team that is ahead of them in the playoff race.
After beating the Washington Wizards 102-82 at home on Sunday, the Bulls moved up to 11th place in the Eastern Conference, 1 1/2 games behind the Raptors, who were in ninth place.
Sunday’s 118-93 road defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers ended the Raptors’ season-best four-game winning streak.
The Raptors have won seven of their last nine games despite the loss.
This season, the home team has won both meetings between the Bulls and Raptors.
DeMar DeRozan, a longtime member of the Raptors, scored 29 points on Sunday to lead the Bulls to their second victory in a row over the Wizards.
Chicago’s scrappy play was the key to their victory.
16 Wizards turnovers led to 25 points for the Bulls, who held them to 15 points in the fourth quarter.
The Bulls were just half a game ahead of the 10th-place Wizards after Sunday’s loss.
Although Patrick Beverley did not score in his second game for Chicago after signing as a free agent, he did have five rebounds and one blocked shot. However, Beverley has already made a positive impact on the Bulls.
Additionally, the Raptors are playing teams that are close to them in the standings during a crucial stretch of their schedule. They play two consecutive road games against the Wizards on Thursday and Saturday following their game against Chicago.
However, the Raptors were put to the test in the game against the Cavaliers.
Fred VanVleet, who had his third child after missing three games straight, was not present for the Raptors’ game.
On Sunday, the Raptors were led by 25 points from Pascal Siakam. Scottie Barnes scored 12 points while Jakob Poeltl had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
