Raptors Keep Clawing – Toronto at Chicago

Toronto Raptors Barrel Towards Windy City With Momentum

Chicago’s in a twisting position tonight. Should they lose, and Philadelphia win, they’ll face Boston. If the opposite happens, then they’ll face the Magic. Who would you rather play if you’re Chicago, looking to play the spoiler role in the NBA Playoffs?

Toronto has had a big surge over the past month, winning 8-of-12 games and covering in the process. Shawn Marion, of all people, is the go-getter for a the Raptors with 13.6 points and 7.4 boards in the last five games. This, of course, takes in to consideration his 4 and 7 point performances as well. Marion is on the block this summer, but his buddy Colangelo might yank him off the table if he sees value in Marion with a new deal.

NBA Betting Trends

• Toronto is 84 ATS in its last 12 games
• Toronto is 24 ATS in its last 6 games
• Toronto is 84 SU in its last 12 games
• Chicago is 42 ATS in its last 6 games
• Chicago is 50 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games
• Chicago is 94 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Toronto
• Chicago is 14 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
• Chicago is 93 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto

I hate this matchup for Toronto for two big reasons – Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon. The Chi-Town Duo has been backing the Windy City Warriors all season, combining for 35+ points a game and blowing up opposing back courts. Across from them will be the slow and sputtering Jose Calderon, whose fan backing is unfathomable to me.

And I’m a fan of the Toronto Raptors. A big fan.

Calderon, to me, presents the best and worst of the position. He’s a team guy, who garners national attention because he puts his team ahead of his self. He elected to go off the bench in favor of the speedier and more productive T.J. Ford last year, and as a starter this year he’s been getting blown up by more athletic point-men.

While assists haven’t been a problem for El Calderon, defense has. And you have to wonder why he has so many assists. That particular stat is a mess because it doesn’t really take in to consideration how far the receiving player has to go to get to the basket. Calderon runs the offense, but he’s slow as molasses.

Toronto Raptors (32-49) vs. Chicago Bulls (41-40)
Wednesday, April 15th — United Center, Chicago — 8:00pm EST
NBA Betting Line: Chicago -10 (214.5)

Toronto loves Calderon for his underdog story, and his attitude, but he’s no match for the Gordon-Rose duo. It’s a good thing Chris Bosh and Marion are both playing for pride. Bosh is an All-Star, and Marion was once one as well. Look for both to shine as the Raptors cover against the Bulls. They are 1-4 ATS versus Chicago when playing at the United Center and that’s a huge line.

The Bulls are in the spotlight thanks to their heady backcourt and Joakim Noah, but let’s see how the kids fare in the spotlight.

NBA Free Pick: Toronto +10 (OVER)