Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 21 2026
Two teams will open their 2026-2027 campaigns north of the border, when the Chicago Bulls take on the Toronto Raptors. Tip off is scheduled for Wednesday October 21,2026 at 7:30 pm EST. Scotiabank Arena will be the setting and the game can be seen on NBA League Pass. The Raptors are an 8.5 point favorite and the total is sitting at 236.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Chicago has high hopes for rookie Caleb Wilson
The Chicago Bulls have made just one playoff appearance in the previous nine and their last playoff series victory was in 2015. Last season, the Bulls (31-51) dropped 28 of 41 road games and were eliminated in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. Chicago hit a home run by selecting North Carolina F Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick of the NBA Draft and signed veteran G Norman Powell.
On Friday, Chicago assisted on 34 of 50 made field goals and shot 52 percent overall during a 133-116 home victory versus Minnesota. Caleb Wilson led five Chicago players in double figures with 16 points (7-15 FG) and seven rebounds. Matas Buzelis added 14 points and six boards for the Bulls.
New head coach Tiago Splitter does not have much size at his disposal, but will open up the offense for Chicago. The Bulls ranked 23rd in offensive efficiency and averaged 116.3 points. The question remains on the defensive side of the ball, where Chicago surrendered 121.5 points per contest.
Toronto has Kawhi back in the fold
The Toronto Raptors have suffered through some rough seasons over the past decade, but are on the right track. The Raptors (46-36) finished seven games above .500 at home and took Cleveland to seven games before falling in the first round of the playoffs. Toronto traded for Kawhi Leonard in the offseason and the team is primed to win their first playoff series since 2020.
On Friday, Toronto concluded the preseason with a 129-125 road loss against Detroit. The Raptors converted 39 of 46 free-throw attempts, but committed 19 turnovers. Malachi Smith led all scorers with 24 points and seven rebounds off the Toronto bench.
The Raptors ranked in the middle of the pack in offensive efficiency and really got bogged down in the half court. Kawhi Leonard is an elite isolation scorer and will be counted on in late clock situations. With Leonard paired next to Scottie Barnes in the front court, the Raptors will be an elite defensive team.
Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors Picks and Prediction
Pick: Toronto Raptors -8.5
Chicago C Nic Claxton is dealing with a hamstring issue and his status for this game is uncertain. Last season, the Raptors won all three meetings against the Bulls by an average of 12 points. Toronto is more physical in the front court and should dominate on the glass. Take Toronto to win and cover at home.
Pick: Under 236
Chicago played at the second fastest tempo in the league and it remains to see if they will play that fast for their new head coach. Toronto ranked 20th in tempo and will prefer to play in the halfcourt with Kawhi as their focal point. The Raptors finished in the bottom third of the league in three-point attempts and three-point percentage. Take the under.
Final Score Prediction: Toronto Raptors win 122-108