The Bulls have defeated the Raptors 10 straight times. To make it 11 straight, they’ll need to overcome yet another shorthanded status.
They’re off to a good start, seizing a 58-39 halftime lead behind Taj Gibson’s 14 points, Rajon Rondo’s 10 and eight points and seven assists from Jimmy Butler.
Dwyane Wade, Nikola Mirotic and Paul Zipser all are out vs. the Raptors, although Butler is back after missing four of the last five games with a right heel contusion.
"He looked good and had a good workout (Monday)," coach Fred Hoiberg said.
The Bulls’ bench enjoyed a 31-9 scoring edge over the Raptors’ reserves. The Bulls also piled up 18 fast-break points to two for Toronto.
Wade sat last game with a right wrist contusion, although Hoiberg said an MRI exam showed nothing structurally wrong. Wade could play Thursday in the Bulls’ finale against the Celtics before the All-Star break.
Zipser is in a walking boot to protect his left ankle tendinitis so he won’t play Thursday, either. Mirotic has been battling back spasms.
The Raptors on Tuesday acquired power forward Serge Ibaka from the Magic in exchange for guard Terrence Ross and a first-round pick. Ibaka won’t play against the Bulls, but any talk of the Raptors pursuing Taj Gibson in advance of the Feb. 23 trade deadline will be gone.
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