The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors will meet for the third time on February’s last day. The Bulls have defeated the Raptors twice this season. They won by a point on December 16 in Toronto and again on January 31 north of the border, albeit by 16 points in the second contest.
The third meeting between the two squads holds a lot of weight for the bottom third of the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago is five games ahead of the Raptors in the standings, in 10th place, while Toronto sits in 13th. Despite the difference in records, the Raptors appear to be in competition mode following the trade for former All-Star Brandon Ingram earlier this month.
Raptors’ Ingram remains out, while Barnes is questionable
Nonetheless, Ingram has yet to appear for the Raptors. The 6-foot-8 wing has missed nearly three months of action dealing with an ankle injury. Toronto Head Coach Darko Rajakovic recently stated that Ingram is not close to playing, although he is continuing to rehab with the intent to make his return this season.
Furthermore, the Raptors’ leading scorer, Scottie Barnes, is a game-time decision. The 23-year-old point forward missed Toronto’s most recent contest against the Indiana Pacers with a hip contusion. He’s been designated questionable ahead of the Friday night bout with the Bulls. Toronto is merely 2-12 without their best player. He’s an invaluable offensive hub and versatile defender for the young Raptors.
Chicago’s Vucevic likely to miss third straight contest
Bulls’ big man Nikola Vucevic has been a challenging cover for the Raptors this season. The 34-year-old is averaging 22.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three against Toronto. However, the Bulls will likely be without their leading scorer against the Raptors. Vucevic has missed two consecutive contests and is slated to miss a third with what’s been deemed right calf tightness.
With Vooch out, reserve big man Zach Collins could see a third-straight start for the Bulls. However, fellow big man Jalen Smith appears ready to hit the hardwood after suffering a concussion against the New York Knicks over a week ago. Smith participated in the Bulls’ morning shootaround. Thus, he’s trending to play.
Lastly, Ayo Dosunmu has a chance to join Smith in making his return to action. The former Illinois standout has missed Chicago’s previous three games after suffering a stinger in the Bulls’ overtime loss to the Knicks. Donsunmu’s injury was later described as a shoulder subluxation. Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson reported that Dosunmu took part in light individual work, but Head Coach Billy Donovan would not commit if the 25-year-old would suit up against Toronto.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors
The complete injury report for tonight’s game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Patrick Williams (Right Quadricep Tendinosis).
Doubtful: Nikola Vucevic (Right Calf Tightness).
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Left Shoulder Subluxation).
Probable: Jalen Smith (Concussion).
Toronto Raptors
Out: Jamison Battle (Nasal Fracture), Ulrich Chomche (Partial Proximal MCL Tear), Brandon Ingram (Left Ankle Sprain), Garrett Temple (Personal Reasons).
Questionable: Scottie Barnes (Left Hip Contusion).
