The Toronto Raptors have been unbeaten for the past two games at home and will try to make it three games when they host the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre today, Sunday.
Today's game is a part of the Raptors' three-game home stand which began last Dec. 30 against the Washington Wizards (94–91), followed by a clash with the Charlotte Hornets (104–94) on New Year's Day.
Toronto's back-to-back home wins helped it inch closer to the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 21–13 record, currently just 2.5 games behind the leading Cleveland Cavaliers (22–9).
In the Raptors' most recent success versus the Hornets, guard DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 23 points in 37 minutes of action.
DeRozan received ample help from his teammates and was followed in scoring by point guard Kyle Lowry who had 18 points that came along with five rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals.
Forwards DeMarre Carroll and Patrick Patterson each contributed 14 points to help Toronto.
Center Jonas Valanciunas also played big for the Raptors against Charlotte as he had a double-double 10 points and 13 rebounds, plus two assists.
Meanwhile, the Bulls who recently had an issue involving new head coach Fred Hoiberg, are heading to the game riding a three-game winning streak.
Chicago's streak involve wins over today's opponents the Raptors (104–97), Indiana Pacers (102–100, OT), and the New York Knicks (108–81).
In the victory over New York, guard Jimmy Butler emerged and led the team with 23 points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block.
Starting big men Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotić added 17 points each, also combining for 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
The Bulls' bench also played well and was led by rookie forward Bobby Portis who had 16 points and 10 rebounds that came with two assists, while forward Doug McDermott added 13 points.
The game between the Raptors and Bulls will take place today, Jan. 3, at 3:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
