Odds to Win the NBA Eastern Conference
The Illinois sportsbooks and betting public don’t feel the Bulls have a chance to win the Eastern Conference championship, and frankly, we agree with this assessment. Chicago could make the playoffs, but they must defeat Toronto on Wednesday, or their season is over.
|
Team |
Eastern Conference Odds |
|---|---|
|
Milwaukee Bucks |
+125 |
|
Boston Celtics |
+160 |
|
Philadelphia 76ers |
+475 |
|
Cleveland Cavaliers |
+1400 |
|
New York Knicks |
+4000 |
|
Miami Heat |
+6000 |
|
Toronto Raptors |
+15000 |
|
Atlanta Hawks |
+15000 |
|
Brooklyn Nets |
+25000 |
|
Chicago Bulls |
+50000 |
Caesars Illinois Promo to Use on This Game
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Bulls vs. Raptors Preview
The Bulls are a +4.5 underdog with a 214.5 total when they meet the Raptors for a 7:00 pm matchup Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena.
The Bulls
Chicago was mediocre this season but reached this one-shot chance at continuing their season. They’ve lost twice this season and three straight to the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena, and it will be a tough matchup for the Bulls.
The Bulls have won two straight entering Wednesday’s matchup, and they seem healthy. Defense is the Bulls’ strength–Chicago allows the 7th fewest points per game but is 22nd in points scored and ended the regular season with a +1.3 point differential.
DeMar lobbed it up, and Zach threw it down! 👀@DunkinDonuts Dunk of the Week: pic.twitter.com/1ZsxDol5GL
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 10, 2023
Zach LaVine leads Chicago in scoring but has failed to score 24+ in five of his last seven. DeMar DeRozan hasn’t scored 24+ or more in two of his previous 10 tilts, and Chicago will need both to score; otherwise, their season is over.
The Raptors
Toronto suffered through some injuries and finished the season 41-41. The Raptors won 27 of their 41 games at Scotiabank Arena and 3-2 against the Bulls over their previous five home contests.
Toronto has dropped two of their last three, but those losses were on the road against the Boston Celtics. The Raptors were 24th in scoring but allowed the 4th fewest points per game, resulting in a +1.5 point differential through 82 regular season contests.
BACK-TO-BACK TRE'S TO TIE AYOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/0LicvTzKpx
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 6, 2023
Pascal Siakam leads Toronto in scoring and rebounding. Siakam has posted a double-double in five of his last 10 contests and scored 24+ in five of the last 10 tilts. Fred VanVleet has scored 19+ in five of his last 10, and Gary Trent Jr. has drained 19+ in four of his previous 10.
Phil’s Best Bets
Phil has some betting ideas for Wednesday night’s Play-In Tournament game.
Raptors Under 214.5 -110 Caesars
This game could be an ugly battle between two inconsistent offenses against much better defenses. The defense earned this Play-In Tournament opportunity for both clubs, and I wouldn’t expect anything less in this contest.
The top scorers for both sides have struggled to score consistently, and these defenses are very good at chasing shooters off of the three-point line. Finally, we have two of the slowest-playing teams in the league, and this game should end Under 214.5.
Zach LaVine Under 25.5 points -109 Caesars
LaVine is shooting just 21% from downtown over his past four and 48% inside the arc–that’s not going to get the job done Wednesday against a Raptors defense with some of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
The Bulls’ star guard averages 27 per game this season on the road but 23.5 in two games against Toronto this season. The Raps have Lavines’ number, and he’ll struggle to score 25.
