27/82: December 16th vs. CHI

Final Score: Raptors 121, Bulls 122

RJ Barrett led all scorers Monday in defeat as the Raptors lost a tight game to the Chicago Bulls.

The first and third quarters saw Chicago gain big leads, winning both quarters by more than 10 points. But the Raptors battled - as they’ve done all season long - but again fell just short of the win.

As has been the case a number of times, the end result could have been different had the Raptors shot better on free throws. They finished the game 22/30 (73.3%) from the charity stripe, an essential part of any close game.

For the Bulls, it was Nikola Vucevic leading the way with 24 points. Talented young guard Coby White added 19 and five assists in the win.

Former OKC Thunder Josh Giddey finished one rebound and two assists shy of a triple-double. He’s definitely had his share of issues off the court but routinely shows that he’s got NBA talent. He’s averaging right around seven assists and seven rebounds on the season.

Question(s) for the Bulls: If Zach LaVine gets moved before the trade deadline, what sort of return can Chicago expect? Who else would be a trade candidate aside from him and Vucevic, should the Bulls decide to tear it down?

The Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets tonight. 7:30pm tip off.