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Toronto Raptors: Is the Central Division a threat to win the conference?

By Brian Boake

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – OG Anunoby and Chicago Bulls – Zach Lavine (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

CHICAGO BULLS

Last season actual: 27 – 55

This season forecast: 27 – 55

Raptors vs. Bulls: In Chicago Nov. 17 & March 30 – In Toronto Dec. 30 & March 26

Welcome: Wendell Carter Jr., Chandler Hutchison & Jabari Parker

Farewell: Jerian Grant

The Bulls might be the most difficult team to figure out this pre-season.

Sure, they could be terrible. Zach LaVine‘s knee could blow out again, or he might have another poor shooting year. Kris Dunn‘s improvement last season could prove illusory. Lauri Markkanen may suffer the sophomore blues. Wendell Carter, the #7 selection in June, may struggle like most big rookies.

However, the upside is considerable with this group. LaVine is a marvellous athlete who may be on the verge of putting it all together. Dunn and Markkanen certainly are capable of playing even better. Carter was the talk of Summer League.

I’ve always liked Robin Lopez. Maturity from Bobby Portis could see him with much more floor time. Jabari Parker has shown flashes of brilliance elsewhere.

Coach Fred Hoiberg is out of excuses. He’ll need the bulk of his charges to improve, or there will be much grumbling among the Chicago faithful.

With so many question marks, I’m going to wimp out. Some of their guys will step up, and some won’t. More wins – definitely (I differ significantly with Vegas, and strong urge taking the over). Playoffs – no.

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