Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors
Zach Lavine Under 2.5 3-Pointers
While Zach Lavine is going to need to show up big in every game this series for the Bulls to be competitive, I expect him to do so from inside the 3-point line. This 2.5 number seems high tonight given how Lavine’s performance from beyond the arc has been as of late.
Lavine is shooting 32% from deep in his last 10 games and averages 38.5% from 3 in 2 games against the Raptors this season. Lavine has only eclipsed the 2.5 3-Point mark 3 times in his last 9 games and has only hit one 3-pointer in each of his last 3 games.
Despite averaging 15+ field goal attempts per game, the majority of these successful shots come from around the paint. The Raptors are going to be focusing their defensive efforts on the Bulls two stars in DeRozan and Lavine, so all factors are favoring the under on this line tonight in Game 1.
We’re going with the under 2.5 3-Pointers. Let’s cash.
Nikola Vucevic Over 28 Pts + Rebs
Nikola Vucevic is shooting an impressive 58% field goal rate against the Raptors this season and is shotting 60% in his last 10 games. The Bulls center is a double-double machine and is averaging 18 points in his last 10 games and just over 10 rebounds in this span as well. Vucevich is averaging 11 rebounds per game on the season.
Vucevic has gone over the 28 Pts + Rebs line in 3 of the Bulls last 4 games and 6 times in the last 9 games. He shoots unusually high volume for a center and can even get points from the 3-point line, where he is typically good for 1 successful 3 pointer each game. In the Bulls final week of the regular season, Vucevic shot 3-4 from the 3-point line and has hit one 3 pointer also in 4 for the last Bulls’ 6 games.
I expect Vucevic to have a big game tonight and to make an impact on the scoring sheet as well as on the boards. The 28 line may seem high at first glance but given his performance this season, this is a line that is easily attainable to reach tonight vs. the Raptors.
We’re hammering the over 28 Pts + Rebs line.