Game 3: Toronto Raptors
Date: Oct. 26
Location: United Center (Chicago, IL)
One of the most challenging back-to-back stretches of the regular season comes for the Chicago Bulls just three games in. On Oct. 26, the Bulls face the defending NBA Champions Toronto Raptors in their home debut this season. This return to the United Center won’t come without its fair share of difficulties.
While the Raptors are without Kawhi Leonard now, they are rejuvenated behind the efforts of rising star forward Pascal Siakam (who just received a max contract extension) and veteran point guard Kyle Lowry (who also recently received a contract extension). This version of the Raptors still should be a firm playoff contender in the East and could ride the momentum of last season’s title.
Siakam and Porter Jr. makes for a very interesting matchup at the three or four spot. Both players are very capable on both ends of the floor. But this is one where the playmaking ability and raw athleticism that Siakam brings to the table gets the best of OPJ and the Bulls. He goes off for 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Raptors.
The best player for the Bulls in this game is the recently signed guard Tomas Satoransky, who puts together a 22 point and 8 assist outing where he only turns the ball over once. Nonetheless, a spotless night from Satoransky from the field and in the assist departments can’t do enough to keep the Bulls undefeated in their first home game of the regular season.