Day two of the NBA Play-in Tournament continues on Wednesday at 7:00 pm ET. The Chicago Bulls will take on the Toronto Raptors for a chance to take on the Miami Heat in a do-or-die game on Friday.
The confrontation will be on national television via ESPN.
At 9:30 pm ET, the OKC Thunder will take on the New Orleans Pelicans. The losers will start their offseason, while the winner will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in a win-or-go game at home.
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Similar to the first game, ESPN will also broadcast the matchup live on national television.
The Chicago Bulls’ revival on the road will be put to the test against the Toronto Raptors
Prior to March 1, the Chicago Bulls had a dismal 10-21 record when playing away from the United Center. Since then, they’ve gone 8-2, best in the NBA during that stretch. His victims included the LA Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets.
Zach LaVine has been putting up All-Star-level numbers in his last 20 games. He is averaging 26.8 PPG, 4.9 APG and 3.5 RPG. The high-flying guard hits 52.0% of his shots, including 37.8% from rainbow range.
LaVine struggled a bit to start the season as he was suffering from a knee injury. The Bulls have been lucky that the two-time NBA All-Star has gotten his form back.
The Toronto Raptors will counter with Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 24.2 PPG, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 APG. Siakam deservedly made his second NBA All-Star team. He will be the biggest thorn in Chicago’s side on Wednesday night.
A key stat to watch out for with the Raptors will be bench scoring. Toronto ranks second worst in the league in this category at just 28.0 PPG. Nick Nurse’s starters will have to be on song or they could go home against the Chicago Bulls.
The OKC Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans hope to extend their seasons with a big win
Two of the most amazing teams in the NBA this season will meet on Wednesday night. The OKC Thunder, who many thought wouldn’t make it this far, will face the New Orleans Pelicans without Zion Williamson.
Last year, the Pelicans stormed into the playoffs via the Play-in Tournament. They didn’t have Williamson then and they won’t have him again. New Orleans is used to adversity without the talented but frequently injured NBA superstar.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum will manage the Pelicans in Williamson’s absence.
Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder have been showing their resilience all season. They missed the injured Chet Holmgren, but surprised many behind NBA All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort and Jalen Williams.
Oklahoma is young but they are brave and tough. They will relish the opportunity to finish the Pelicans season.