Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Bulls vs the Raptors…
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto.
When: Friday November 14, 01:00 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The Toronto Raptors will hope to hold on to sole possession of top spot in the Eastern Conference by defeating the visiting Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.
The Raptors (7-1) are looking to start a season 6-0 at home for the first time on Thursday and they have now won five consecutive games since losing their only game of the year so far against the Miami Heat.
However, coach Dwane Casey wasn’t impressed with their performance against the Orlando Magic in which they needed a rally in the fourth quarter to avoid defeat, and he insisted that the team can’t play like that given where they want to go this season.
Nevertheless, they have impressed so far and have extended the momentum that they gathered last year, but this contest will undoubtedly be a real test of how far they have come.
Chicago (6-2) have had to deal with injuries over the past two weeks, with coach Tom Thibodeau finally being able to go with his preferred starting five for the first time against the Detroit Pistons.
Derrick Rose returned from sprained ankles to put up 24 points and seven assists in a season-high 32 minutes of action, while the likes of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy played key roles as well as the bench.
While the support cast has undoubtedly stepped up in Rose’s absence, the explosive point guard remains a vital piece of the puzzle for Thibodeau, and he will hope to have him and Butler available on Thursday night, with both stars listed as probable due to ankle and thumb injuries respectively.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will undoubtedly have a say by the time the end of the regular season draws closer, but for now, the battle of the East is set for Toronto and Chicago on Thursday.
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