Keys to Chicago Bulls’ road game vs. Toronto Raptors

Coming off a 123-119 road loss against the Celtics, the Chicago Bulls (5-5) visit the Toronto Raptors (5-4) at 7:00 PM ET. The Bulls will be without Andre Drummond (left shoulder sprain) and Coby White (left quadriceps contusion) as they look to avoid back-to-back losses.

Chicago Bulls (5-5) vs. Toronto Raptors (5-4)

Sunday, November 6 – 07:00 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena

Chicago Bulls

Points Per Game: 112.2 (18th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 110.2 (10th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 34 (17th of 30)
Pace: 100.7 (11th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 111.4 (18th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 109.4 (8th of 30)
Net Rating: +2.0 (9th of 30)

Toronto Raptors

Points Per Game: 113.4 (16th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 106.3 (4th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 30.2 (23rd of 30)
Pace: 97.6 (25th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 116.2 (5th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 109.0 (6th of 30)
Net Rating: +7.3 (4th of 30)

The Bulls have to be aggressive

The Raptors are a balanced team that has a strong defense. The Bulls must be aggressive with the ball, attack the basket and test them. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine were the only players who shot free throws against the Celtics. And DeRozan attempted 22 of the Bulls’ 25 shots at the charity stripe. This can’t happen again on Sunday.

The Bulls only had 21 assists on 43 field goals, and they could compete against the Celtics because they shot the ball well, and DeRozan had a monster game. Everyone not named DeRozan has to play better, especially Patrick Williams, who had an off game in Boston with just seven points and five rebounds on 3-of-9 shooting and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc.

Battle of the benches

With Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet potentially out for the Raptors, they need someone to step up and play well above their usual role for them to pull a win out. Players like Scottie Barnes and O.G. Anunoby are looking to prove they can lead them to victory.

DeRozan and LaVine (if he plays) have to force these two players to match them offensively, but bench scoring can be the difference in this game. Superb bench play carried the Bulls in many games, but their four reserves combined for just 15 points on 3-of-9 from three-point range against the Celtics.

Andre Drummond (left shoulder sprain) and Coby White (left quadriceps contusion) are out against the Raptors and Derrick Jones Jr. (right thumb sprain) is questionable, which is not ideal against a Raptors second unit with many guys who want to showcase that they deserve a spot in the rotation.

Anyone available for the Bulls has to make the most of the opportunity and find ways to contribute.

Noteworthy

The Bulls won the last meeting 113-99 on March 21. DeRozan and LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points apiece.

Chicago beat Toronto six of the last seven times.

The Bulls are 6-4 in the last 10 matchups against the Raptors.

Bulls’ projected lineup: Dosunmu, Caruso, DeRozan, Williams, Vucevic

Raptors’ projected lineup: Flynn, Barnes, Anunoby, Trent Jr., Koloko

Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out for the Bulls with a knee injury; Andre Drummond (left shoulder sprain) and Coby White will also miss this game. Zach Lavine (left knee management) and Derrick Jones Jr. (right thumb sprain) are listed as questionable

Fred VanVleet is out for the Raptors with a back injury; Pascal Siakam (strained right groin) and Khem Birch (right knee) are listed as questionable