2026-10-21 · 6:30 PM CT · Regular season
Chicago Bulls31-51
Toronto Raptors46-36ESPN standings data retrieved October 6, 2026. NBA comparisons use the completed 2025–26 regular season. Each upcoming fixture labels preseason or regular-season status.
Chicago Bulls2025–26 regular season
| Measure | Season average | League rank |
|---|---|---|
| STANDARD STATS | ||
| Points / game | 116.3 | 12 / 30 |
| Rebounds / game | 45.0 | 9 / 30 |
| Assists / game | 28.5 | 7 / 30 |
| Turnovers / game | 14.6 | 24 / 30 |
| Steals / game | 7.6 | 23 / 30 |
| Blocks / game | 5.0 | 11 / 30 |
| FG% | 46.9% | 14 / 30 |
| 3PT% | 35.6% | 19 / 30 |
| FT% | 77.6% | 18 / 30 |
| THE LAB MEASURES | ||
| eFG% | 54.7% | 14 / 30 |
| Turnover rate | 12.7% | 23 / 30 |
| Offensive rebound rate | — | — |
| Free-throw pressure | 0.246 | 22 / 30 |
Toronto Raptors2025–26 regular season
| Measure | Season average | League rank |
|---|---|---|
| STANDARD STATS | ||
| Points / game | 114.6 | 21 / 30 |
| Rebounds / game | 42.1 | 24 / 30 |
| Assists / game | 29.5 | 3 / 30 |
| Turnovers / game | 12.9 | 6 / 30 |
| Steals / game | 8.8 | 11 / 30 |
| Blocks / game | 4.8 | 15 / 30 |
| FG% | 48.2% | 7 / 30 |
| 3PT% | 35.4% | 21 / 30 |
| FT% | 76.9% | 22 / 30 |
| THE LAB MEASURES | ||
| eFG% | 54.6% | 16 / 30 |
| Turnover rate | 11.5% | 8 / 30 |
| Offensive rebound rate | — | — |
| Free-throw pressure | 0.265 | 16 / 30 |
ESPN team totals and game box scores checked October 6. NBA season averages and ranks use 2025–26; preseason game results are shown separately. Ranks are within the league, with ties sharing a rank; a lower turnover rate is better. Season offensive rebound rate needs opponent defensive-rebound totals, which this feed does not supply. A dash means unavailable. This game’s offensive rebound rate uses the opponent’s actual rebounds.
eFG% gives a made three its extra value. Turnover rate estimates the share of plays lost before a shot. Offensive rebound rate is the share of available offensive rebounds collected. Free-throw pressure is FTA/FGA. The calculations are (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM)/FGA; TOV/(FGA + 0.44 × FTA + TOV); OREB/(OREB + opponent DREB); and FTA/FGA.
Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors enter with scoring averages of 116.3 and 114.6. Start with the kinds of shots they get, not just how many points they score. A clean shot at the rim or an open three can matter more than another difficult jumper.
The shooting comparison is 54.7% eFG for Chicago Bulls and 54.6% for Toronto Raptors. That measure counts the extra value of a made three. If the defense takes away the first good look, watch whether the offense can create another without rushing.
Ball security is the next pressure point. Chicago Bulls turn it over on an estimated 12.7% of plays; Toronto Raptors are at 11.5%. Fewer wasted trips mean more chances to score and fewer easy chances going the other way.
After the shot, watch the rebound. Then watch which team earns free throws. Extra shots and trips to the line can keep an offense moving when the shooting cools. The season columns give the baseline; the game columns in our final breakdown will show which advantages actually held up.
Spreads and win probabilities are reserved for confirmed games within the next seven days. This game stays on the schedule; its forecast opens inside that window.
Last season 31-51 | 12th in the East | Missed postseason
2025-26 efficiency 112.1 offense | 117.4 defense | -5.3 net per 100 possessions
Chicago finished 12th at 31-51 and missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Its minus-5.3 net rating reflected a roster short of both efficiency and extra possessions. The Bulls averaged 3.6 fewer shot opportunities than opponents, with weak offensive rebounding and limited ability to force turnovers making the scoring assignment harder.
Bryson Graham took over the front office and hired Tiago Splitter. Caleb Wilson, the fourth pick, joins Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey as the young foundation. Nic Claxton gives Chicago a more credible interior defender, and Norman Powell supplies experienced scoring. The late acquisition of Buddy Hield adds shooting after Rob Dillingham moved out.
The unfinished issue is producing enough advantages around those players. Claxton can improve the defense without fixing loose possessions or creating perimeter pressure on his own. Powell can score without guaranteeing the young players get better attempts. Graham has made the rebuild more legible, but the roster still needs a sustainable shot-creation structure and a better way to win the possession count. Wilson's development should be supported by that structure rather than treated as its substitute.
Projected finish is 13th in the East. The added size and a clearer development plan should make Chicago more functional, but we do not see enough two-way improvement for a Play-In forecast. The important progress would be better chances for Wilson and Buzelis, fewer wasted possessions and evidence that the defense can hold together with the main offensive players on the court.
Last season 46-36 | 5th in the East | Lost in First Round
2025-26 efficiency 115.0 offense | 112.1 defense | +2.9 net per 100 possessions
Toronto finished fifth at 46-36 and pushed Cleveland to seven games in the first round. Its defense allowed 112.1 points per 100 possessions, while transition play supplied an important offensive advantage. The Raptors led the league in fast-break scoring, but their half-court possessions could deteriorate once an opponent removed the easy running opportunities.
Bobby Webster brought Kawhi Leonard back in the trade that sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to the Clippers. Leonard supplies the obvious missing skill, an established scorer who can find a useful shot late in the clock. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles provide a supporting group with size and defensive versatility. Kyle Anderson adds another experienced connective player.
The concern is how often the intended lineup will be available and how well it spaces the floor. Leonard's postseason availability has been inconsistent, and Jakob Poeltl's back remains important to the center rotation. Replacing Ingram with Leonard raises the ceiling without guaranteeing a full season of that improvement. Management has bought a late-clock answer, but not an effortless shooting environment. Barnes and the guards still need to punish defenders who collapse into the lane.
Projected finish is sixth in the East. The defensive baseline makes Toronto a credible direct-playoff team, with a better playoff ceiling when Leonard is healthy. We discount the regular-season forecast for availability and limited shooting. The Raptors should be harder to eliminate than last year without necessarily climbing several places in a much stronger conference.
A matching published game video is not available in the verified archive yet.
