via Reuters
Toronto Raptors stars Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam celebrate during the Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics. Courtesy: Reuters
via Reuters
Toronto Raptors stars Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam celebrate during the Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Boston Celtics. Courtesy: Reuters
The battle for the Playoffs is spicing up in the East; just two games separate the fourth-placed Toronto Raptors (17-17) and the 10th-placed Charlotte Hornets (15-17). This determines the magnitude of this NBA clash where the Raptors will host the eighth-placed Chicago Bulls.
Date & Time: February 28, 2021, 7pm ET
Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts after hitting a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Preview | Toronto Raptors
Arguably, the most underrated and the most underappreciated team in the NBA currently. The Raptors began the season playing at their temporary home in Florida with a 2-8 record; rooting them on the bottom of the table at one point. But they have come back roaring in scintillating fashion.
Most of it has been thanks to the recent play of Pascal Siakam and the coaching of Nick Nurse. Unfortunately, the two along with five assistant coaches will be unavailable for this game because of the league’s strict health and safety protocols.
In Nurse’s absence, Sergio Scariolo will lead the team from the sidelines while Kyle Lowry will marshall the troops on the floor. He recorded his 18th career triple-double in the win over Houston Rockets. Chris Boucher comes into the starting lineup to replace Siakam.
Kyle Lowry notched his 18th career TRIPLE-DOUBLE (21 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST) in the @Raptors victory over Houston!#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/wnGeUfqhLr
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) February 27, 2021
Starting 5 for the Toronto Raptors
Guard – Kyle Lowry
Guard – Fred VanVleet
Center – Chris Boucher
Forward – OG Anunoby
Forward – Norman Powell
Preview | Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have won three out of their last four games. And the primary reason for that has been Zach LaVine‘s form. The maiden All-Star nominee is carrying the team’s Playoff hopes on his back almost single handedly.
His recent scoring run is almost unparalleled. However, it is on the defensive end where the team’s struggles are more glaring. They will need to be on their toes against the backcourt duo of Lowry and VanVleet.
Just wanted to remind everyone about Zach LaVine's last 10 games
• 39 PTS, 16-25 FG
• 35 PTS, 6 AST
• 46 PTS, 9 3PM
• 26 PTS, 9 REB
• 30 PTS, 9 REB
• 37 PTS, 14-22 FG
• 30 PTS, 5 AST
• 38 PTS, 15-20 FG
• 21 PTS, 6 AST
• 35 PTS, 14-21 FG— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) February 26, 2021
Starting 5 for the Chicago Bulls
Guard – Coby White
Guard – Zach LaVine
Center – Wendell Carter Jr.
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Forward – Garrett Temple
Forward – Patrick Williams
Predictions | Raptors vs Bulls
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The Raptors will arrive into this encounter as the favorites over their Chicago counterparts. They have overcome all the adversities that have been thrown at them. However, it would be wrong to totally discount the Bulls, considering their recent form, but it looks unlikely that they spring a surprise this time.
Read More – NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Expected to Make a Move for Raptors’ Kyle Lowry
