Gameday: Raptors @ Bulls, February 19th

"The Toronto Raptors are returning to action tonight in their first game after the All-Star break which will be against the Chicago Bulls. The Dinos are headed to the windy city to take on this new-look Bulls team that was transformed at the trade deadline. Toronto has already seen this iteration of Chicago and they beat them with a score of 123-107 on national television, and with there being such a massive gap in talent between the two teams, a similar result should be expected tonight."

"With Jakob Poeltl trying to get back into the swing of things, a game like this is the perfect chance for him to get some nice simple reps in. Against Jalen Smith, who is not the best defender, Poeltl will be able to go at him in the pick n' roll, and not have to worry about taking too much punishment when he guards him."

"Chicago is full of point guards now, and with that comes a lack of size that Toronto's All-Star duo in Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can take advantage of as scorers. Offensive rebounding will be there for Toronto tonight, as well as the advantage of playing against a team that hasn't spent much time together. This new Bulls team has only spent a handful of games together, so it stands to reason that they are still figuring each other out on both ends, which can lead to confusion on defense which Toronto can take full advantage of. All in all tonight's game should be an easy one for Toronto, as long as they don't let Chicago hit 18 threes like they did in their last matchup."

The Toronto Raptors return from the All-Star break to play the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. Toronto previously beat this Bulls iteration 123-107 on national television. The Raptors are 32-23 with an offensive rating of 113.8 (16th), defensive rating 112.2 (6th), and net rating +1.5 (14th). Injuries have eased and the full starting lineup is available. Jakob Poeltl can regain rhythm and exploit Jalen Smith in pick-and-roll situations. The Bulls (24-31) were revamped at the trade deadline, lack size, and are still building chemistry. Toronto's scoring duo and offensive rebounding should create a clear advantage if Chicago's three-point shooting is contained.

Read at Raptors Republic