After a lengthy All-Star break in Toronto followed by a quiet trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors will take action against the Chicago Bulls to kick off the stretch run of the season. The Raptors hold a dominating lead for 2nd in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls are struggled mightily with injuries, on-court issues, and suffer an identity crisis. With that being said, both times they have faced the Raptors this year they have come out on top. This is an important game because there is a remote chance that the Raptors end up drawing Chicago in the playoffs – they will need the confidence against them. Jimmy Butler will be out for the Bulls.
Let’s get to the Cage’s Keys to the Game
Contain Pau Gasol
The crafty big man always seems to take advantage of the Raptors. Tonight, he will be guarded mostly by Jonas Valanciunas as Pau will be the starting centre for Chicago. He’s got the quickness, so it will definitely be important for the Raptors to heavily incorporate for Gasol’s offensive potency.
Attack the paint
On the flip side, with no Joakim Noah or Nikola Mirotic, the Raptors will have the advantage size-wise. JV will have the opportunity to outmuscle Pau, while guys like DeMar DeRozan can attack with less resistance than usual from this Bulls team.
Shake off the rust early
We have to hope the Raptors can get back into their pre-All Star form right off the bat. They haven’t played since February 10th, which was a terrible loss against the Timberwolves. The Raps need to put that loss behind them, and get back to the beautiful basketball they were playing. Let’s hope there isn’t any rust from the huge break.
X-Factor: Luis Scola
Scola has been getting a lot of disrespect after Raptors fans basically demanded an upgrade at the power forward spot at the deadline. While Scola has certainly lost a step, he is still a serviceable player, and will hopefully have a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Against the depleted Bulls front-line, he has a chance to kick off the final stretch with a bang.
