February 5, 2026 | Scotiabank Arena | 7:30 PM ET | Prime Video
This one stings before we even tip off. The Bulls (24–27) limp into Toronto riding a brutal stretch, desperately needing a win to keep our play-in hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Raptors (30–22) are comfortable in 6th place and looking to put more distance between themselves and the play-in chaos.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it—after that embarrassing 134–91 beatdown in Miami, this team needs to show up with some pride tonight.
Where We Stand Right Now
The Raptors already beat us 118–107 earlier this season, and they’ve been a nightmare to play at Scotiabank Arena. While they’re fighting to avoid slipping into the play-in, we’re literally hanging onto that 10th seed by our fingernails.
Six games separate us in the standings. That’s the reality check.
How the Raptors Have Been Playing
Record: 30–22 (6–4 in last 10)
Toronto wins with defense, plain and simple. They’re 8th in the league in points allowed (112.5), and they hold teams to 46.2% shooting. Scottie Barnes has turned into exactly what we feared he’d become—a legitimate two-way star who can guard anyone and run the offense. Pascal Siakam keeps grinding out 20+ points, and Dennis Schröder controls the pace.
Their home court is a fortress, especially against Eastern Conference teams. They move the ball well, get back in transition, and don’t give up easy buckets.
Our Bulls: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Record: 24–27 (3–7 in last 10)
Let’s start with what’s actually working: we’re 5th in the NBA in fast break points (17.9 per game). When Ayo Dosunmu pushes the pace and we get out in transition, we can score with anybody.
Now the painful part. That Miami game was unwatchable—32.2% from the field, 14.6% from three. When Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan can’t get going early, our half-court offense completely stalls out. Our perimeter defense has been inconsistent all season, and it’s cost us games we should’ve won.
The Head-to-Head Numbers
| Category | Raptors | Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 47.2% | 44.8% |
| Points Allowed | 112.5 | 118.3 |
| Fast Break Points | 13.4 | 17.9 |
| Rebounds | 45.6 | 44.1 |
| Turnovers | 12.8 | 14.3 |
They shoot better. They defend better. They rebound better. They take care of the ball better. Not exactly encouraging when you lay it all out.
What Needs to Happen for Chicago to Win
Ayo Has to Set the Tone
If Dosunmu comes out attacking, creating turnovers, and pushing tempo, we’ve got a chance. He’s been our most consistent energy guy, and we need him to be the spark that gets everyone else going.
Zach and DeMar Can’t Start Slow
After Miami, both guys need to come out aggressive. No feeling out the game for a quarter—we need buckets early. If Toronto builds a double-digit lead in the first half, it’s probably over given how they defend.
Hit Open Threes
We’re getting looks from deep. We’re just not knocking them down. Toronto’s going to pack the paint and make us beat them from outside. If we shoot another 14% from three, pack it up.
Win the Rebounding Battle
The Raptors have a slight edge on the glass, but second-chance points could be the difference. We need everyone crashing the boards—no spectating.
The Betting Lines (For What It’s Worth)
- Spread: Raptors -8.5
- Over/Under: 226.5
- Moneyline: Raptors -320, Bulls +260
Toronto’s covered in 5 of their last 7 home games. We’re 2–5 against the spread in our last 7 road games. Vegas knows what’s up, and honestly, so do we.
Real Talk: What’s Probably Going to Happen
Prediction: Raptors 117, Bulls 106
Look, I want to believe. I always want to believe. But Toronto’s defense at home, combined with our recent offensive struggles, doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Barnes and Siakam are going to control the paint, and unless we shoot lights out from three (which we haven’t done lately), we’re going to fall behind and play catch-up all night.
For this Bulls team to pull off the upset, we’d need career nights from multiple guys. Possible? Sure. Likely after what we just saw in Miami? Not really.
But hey, it’s February, we’re still fighting for our playoff lives, and stranger things have happened. If Zach and DeMar remember they’re All-Stars, if Ayo brings that defensive intensity, and if our shooters actually make open shots, maybe—just maybe—we can steal one in Toronto.
We need this win badly. The question is whether this team has the fight left to go get it.
Let’s go Bulls.