March 18, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, IL | 7:30 PM ET | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (27–39) host the Toronto Raptors (36–30) at the United Center tonight, and this is a winnable game at home. They’re 7th in the East and fighting for playoff positioning. We’re 11th in the East and twelve games under .500, but we’re at home with our fans behind us.
The Raptors have Scottie Barnes—an emerging star who does everything. RJ Barrett provides scoring. Pascal Siakam brings veteran versatility. They’re balanced, deep, and play with intensity.
We’re trying to keep up with DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range game and hoping Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton get hot from three. At the United Center, we should have a chance.
For Bulls fans, this is a home game against a playoff team where we need to protect home court and show some fight.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Bad)
Record: 27–39 (11th in East)
We’re twelve games under .500, and the play-in race is over. The defense is terrible (120.4 points allowed per game). The rebounding is a problem (42.5 per game vs Toronto’s 45.1). But at home, we’ve been better.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, playing against his former team at home
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent—needs to show up at the United Center
- Collin Sexton: Provides energy off the bench, especially at home
Billy Donovan keeps preaching defense and execution. Against the Raptors at home, we need the crowd behind us and solid execution.
The Toronto Raptors: Playoff-Bound and Dangerous
Record: 36–30 (7th in East)
The Raptors are playoff-bound and playing with intensity. Scottie Barnes is developing into a star—can do everything on both ends. RJ Barrett provides consistent scoring. Pascal Siakam is a veteran who knows how to win.
Key Players:
- Scottie Barnes (F): Emerging star, does everything—scoring, playmaking, defense, rebounding
- RJ Barrett (G/F): Consistent scorer with improving all-around game
- Pascal Siakam (F): Veteran All-Star with versatility on both ends
The Numbers:
- 115.9 points per game (balanced offense)
- 113.2 points allowed per game (solid defense)
- 45.1 rebounds per game (dominate the glass)
- Physical, intense style
They’re balanced, deep, well-coached, and playing for playoff positioning. But they’re on the road tonight.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.7 | 115.9 |
| Points Allowed | 120.4 | 113.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.0 | 26.9 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.6 | 13.7 |
| Rebounding | 42.5 | 45.1 |
They score more. They defend way better. They rebound better. We pass slightly better and shoot slightly more threes.
But we’re at home. The United Center crowd can be a factor. And playoff teams sometimes struggle on the road.
What the Bulls Need to Do at Home
DeMar DeRozan Dominates Against His Former Team
DeMar played for the Raptors and has history there. At the United Center, he needs 35+ points and to show his former team he can still dominate. The crowd will be behind him.
Hit Threes Consistently
If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 18+ threes at 42%+, we can win at home. Get hot early and keep the crowd engaged.
Slow Down Scottie Barnes
Barnes does everything. Make him uncomfortable at the United Center. Don’t let him control the game on both ends.
Protect Home Court
The United Center. Our fans. We should have an advantage. Win the rebounding battle. Execute defensively. Make Toronto uncomfortable.
Feed Off the Crowd
Home games matter. DeMar playing his former team should give us extra energy. Use it to our advantage.
What Toronto Will Bring
Scottie Barnes will try to do everything—score, rebound, defend, facilitate. RJ Barrett will look for his shots. Pascal Siakam will use his veteran savvy.
But they’re on the road. If we can get the crowd into it early, we can make them uncomfortable.
Bulls Fan Prediction: Competitive Home Game
Final Score: Bulls 110, Raptors 106
DeMar DeRozan dominates against his former team at home with 36 points. Anfernee Simons gets hot and drops 25. The United Center crowd gets loud and energizes the team.
Scottie Barnes battles for 26 points and 8 rebounds, but we make him work for everything. RJ Barrett adds 23. But our home court advantage and DeMar’s emotional performance give us the edge.
We protect the United Center. Four-point win at home against a playoff team. The crowd lifts us to a statement victory.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 11th in the East. The season’s essentially over. But this is the United Center. Our home court. And DeMar’s playing his former team.
The Raptors are a playoff team, but they’re on the road. If we can’t protect home court against them, what’s the point?
DeMar DeRozan deserves support from the home crowd against his old squad. And maybe—just maybe—we can steal a win against a playoff team at the United Center.
See Red. Let´s go Bulls!!!
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