The Toronto Raptors are starting a 6 game road trip and were hoping to get a W before heading out West to play some playoff teams. The Toronto Raptors dominated 3 quarters of this ball game, they were making every shot, but late in the 3rd quarter they missed 10 shots in a row, helping the Chicago Bulls climb back from a 12 point deficit. The Toronto Raptors got outscored 49-37 in the 4th quarter, and Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler had 29 and 27 points respectively to finish off the Toronto Raptors 129-120. Kirk Hinrich left the game midway through the 3rd quarter with an apparent hamstring injury. Kyle Lowry had 34 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 20 points but they could not stop the late surge by the Chicago Bulls.
Analysis: The Toronto Raptors are now 4-5 against top eastern conference teams (Hawks, Heat, Wizards, Bulls, & Cavaliers). If the Toronto Raptors want to secure there spot in the top 4, in order to get home court advantage in the playoffs they need to step it up against teams in the Eastern conference, especially teams they will be fighting for playoff position against. This road trip for the Toronto Raptors they will face the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trailblazers, and Phoenix Suns. It’s a tough trip and if somehow the raptors game win 3+ games, they will be in a good position to stay in 1st place until the All-star break. The Chicago Bulls on the other hand, are climbing up the ladder, and trying to make their way to the top of the East. With Derrick Rose back after missing 2 games due to a ankle injury, the Chicago Bulls hope to cover some ground.
