The Chicago Bulls host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, with both teams battling for a high seeding in the Eastern Conference ahead of the playoffs.
Where: United Center, Chicago.
When: Saturday March 21, 00:00 (UK Time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The Raptors (41-27) have the slight edge ahead of this meeting, as they lead the Bulls (41-28) by a half-game in third spot in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the critics suggesting that the East is weak, the playoff race is certainly proving to be entertaining and the importance of this game shouldn’t be underplayed.
Chicago remain without both Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, although the recent play of rookie Nikola Mirotic will have pleased coach Tom Thibodeau who may well choose to give him a bigger role even when players return from injury.
However, at this stage a win or a loss will have significant repercussions on them and they will be looking at potential match-ups in the playoffs.
Toronto will be led by DeMar DeRozan as Kyle Lowry is expected to miss out with a back issue, and coach Dwane Casey will hope his absence doesn’t effect them too much given that they have won three of their last four games.
Jonas Valanciunas has also found some form over the last few games, and so after going on a 1-9 stretch, the Raptors seemingly have found their feet again after an impressive start to the season.
A trip to Chicago is never an easy one to make, and with so much on the line and the potential boost of Taj Gibson returning to the bench, the Bulls will be favourites to emerge victorious.
However, the visitors will know that a win could put some daylight between them and their rivals, and so there is plenty on the line in the Windy City on Friday night.
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