3 reasons Raptors should beat Bulls in play-in tournament matchup

1. OG Anunoby’s success vs. DeMar DeRozan

Stopping DeRozan is such a difficult task that it can often take up most of the pregame planning. So far, the Raptors have been able to handle DeRozan thanks to a healthy dose of Anunoby on the perimeter. His elite on-ball work helped keep DeRozan in check in the regular season.

DeRozan scored 20 points in one of the two Toronto victories, but he was also limited to just nine and 13 points in 71 combined minutes over two games. With DeRozan limited and the bench a question mark, Anunoby’s on-ball excellence (and impressive offense) could force the Bulls to play with one hand tied behind their back.

OG Anunoby will help the Raptors defend DeMar DeRozan.

One of the hallmarks of Nick Nurse’s defense is trying to make someone other than the hyped star player beat them defensively. This can give rise to an army of Raptors killers that benefit from the team’s lack of attention, but it also can make it hard for stars to have their best nights against Anunoby and Nurse.

DeRozan is still the type of player that can take a game over when he gets hot. Given how much of the Bulls’ offense runs through and comes from him, slowing him down and making sure he doesn’t get his 25 points can be the difference between moving on and getting prepared for the draft.