Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors - GAME DAY PREVIEW

The Bulls will host the struggling Raptors on Tuesday.

© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (22-25) will host the Toronto Raptors (16-30) in the final match of their season series on Tuesday night at the United Center. The Bulls are coming off a 104-96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers—a victory that snapped their two-game losing slump in their recent three-game road trip out west.

Next man up

The Bulls have embraced the next-man-up mentality this season, with injuries to several key players preventing the team from playing at full strength. Whether it’s Zach LaVine, Torrey Craig, Nikola Vucevic, or Patrick Williams, the injury bug has bitten the Bulls hard this season, with the latest casualty being LaVine, who’s expected to miss time due to complications to his foot brought about by a sprained ankle.

Fortunately for the Bulls, numerous players have stayed ready and prepared to contribute when called upon. Against the Blazers, it was rookie forward Julian Phillips who had a career-high 11 points, highlighted by a couple of jaw-dropping plays.

Julian Phillips with the two handed volleyball spike! pic.twitter.com/NNYGSbLCJR

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) January 29, 2024

Undermanned Raptors

Toronto is also facing the same dilemma as the Bulls, the difference being they’re struggling to deal with injuries to RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and center Jakob Poeltl. 

Barrett will not play against the Bulls because of an injured knee, Quickley is doubtful due to a quadriceps issue, while Poeltl is questionable because of an ankle injury. Toronto has won only once in its last 10 games, including a heartbreaking 126-125 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in their previous game.

Saddiq Bey follow dunk FOR THE WIN 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LIWZGoadvS

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 29, 2024

Torrey Craig had no setbacks in his first non-contact practice