Bulls' second-fastest pace meets a top-six Raptors defense

The Bulls (31-51 last season) bring the NBA's second-fastest pace to face the Raptors (46-36) and the league's sixth-best defense in Toronto on Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30 PM ET.

Chicago ran at a pace of 104.3 last season, but speed produced few points: the Bulls scored 111.1 per 100 possessions, 24th in the league. Toronto allowed the same 111.1 and played at a pace of 100.1, 21st, so the Raptors can slow the game to their speed.

The Bulls also forced few mistakes. Opponents turned the ball over on 10.6% of possessions, 29th in the league, while Toronto gave it away on 11.5%, seventh-best. With few extra possessions from steals, Chicago has to win in the half court.

Kawhi Leonard led Toronto with 27.9 points and 1.9 steals a game, and Scottie Barnes added 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. For Chicago, Norman Powell scored 21.7 points and Josh Giddey had 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds.

Nicolas Claxton, who averaged 27.8 minutes, is out, with an expected return of Wednesday, November 4. Isaac Okoro (26.9 minutes) and Dailyn Swain (18.1) are day-to-day, along with four others. Toronto lists only center Nate Bittle, out.

The Bulls went 2-8 over their last 10 last season and closed with a 149-128 loss at Dallas. Their defense allowed 116 points per 100 possessions, 22nd in the league, which leaves Toronto's offense (113.9, 15th) a workable matchup.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Raptors a 78% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, also has 78%, with a margin of 9.6 points.