Raptors vs. Bulls Prediction and Odds (Back the Points with Top Chicago Defenders Out)

The Chicago Bulls have gone from the top of the Eastern Conference to "Survive and Advance" mode over the past few weeks.

Chicago has lost several key players to injury, including at the point guard spot with both Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso out several weeks with knee and wrist injuries respectively.

After nearly blowing a 28-point lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night (granted they were without MVP candidate DeMar DeRozan amongst several others), they return home to the United Center to face a Toronto Raptors squad coming off their best offensive performance in nearly a month.

Can Chicago get back on track at home, or will Toronto keep putting pressure on the short-handed Bulls?

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Raptors vs. Bulls Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Raptors +4.5 (-110)
• Bulls -4.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Raptors +152
• Bulls -185

Total:

• 218 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Raptors vs. Bulls Prediction and Pick

With the Bulls hanging on for dear life along with a short number to clear, I don't have a ton of conviction on either a spread or a moneyline play in this game. Toronto, as of this writing may have Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes available, but still no determination has been made official.

However, I'm very intrigued by the OVER 218 tonight in Chicago, regardless of whether they play.

Once considered two of the better defensive teams in the NBA this season, both the Bulls and Raptors have sunk down the NBA defensive ratings charts; currently sitting in 16th and 20th respectively.

The Bulls glue to their outstanding perimeter defense comes from having Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso on the court. Both players, along with Nikola Vuvevic (who is questionable for tonight) are amongst the best on the team in individual defensive rating, a metric that determines points allowed per 100 possessions.

Meanwhile, the Raptors still put up 125 vs. the Hornets without the services of VanVleet or Barnes, and are 11th in offensive rating overall. The perception of Toronto being a gritty, defensive-oriented team has been far from reality this year. While they rank 26th in the league in pace, they're highly efficient from the floor and have a ton of length and versatility in their lineup.

With DeRozan back on the floor with Zach LaVine, Chicago will be a better offensive unit tonight. This number will also go up if Barnes and VanVleet end up playing, so strike while the iron is hot.

PLAY: OVER 218 (-110)

Follow along with Ben Heisler throughout the NBA season with his posted picks here in real-time!