Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys to Beating the Chicago Bulls

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the Chicago Bulls, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at the United Center.

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With the NBA All-Star festivities now out the way, the Toronto Raptors get back to the serious business of regular season action. Never have they found themselves in a stronger position, with a franchise-best 35-17 record through 52 games.

However, the Raptors are well aware it will be a tough road towards maintaining second place in the Eastern Conference. The journey continues with a trip to Illinois, to face the Chicago Bulls.

This will be the third of four games between the sides this season, with Chicago winning the first two encounters. We look at three keys which will help determine if the Raptors can finally gain a victory against their Central Division rivals.

1) Kyle Lowry vs Derrick Rose

This is one of the reasons fans go to watch sporting events in person. A match-up between Kyle Lowry and Derrick Rose is definitely worth the price of admission.

After three injury-blighted campaigns, Rose is on course to play his most games since the 2010-11 season. However, Lowry could have an advantage over his fellow point guard, who has been dealing with general soreness of late.

Unfortunately for the 27-year old Rose, he may never fully recover his skills from earlier in his career. Regardless, despite Thursday’s loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he led the way with 28 points and his clash with Lowry could go a long way towards deciding this game.

2) Pau Gasol

After all the recent speculation surrounding him, it was a minor surprise Pau Gasol was not dealt ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Even more surprising, was Gar Forman’s claim that the Spaniard is a core piece of the long-term future in Chicago.

Dec 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-97. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s every chance this is a case of damage limitation by the general manager, after the failed attempts to trade the former third overall draft pick. Furthermore, long-term rarely applies to a 35-year old player.

Regardless, Gasol will be supremely motivated to prove he is still a key component for any team. With averages of 17 points and 10.9 boards per game, this much is clear, and Toronto will have their work cut out containing him.

3) Overcoming the mental aspect

Basketball (and indeed sports in general) can be a funny old game. Sometimes, no matter how talented you are, certain teams just get inside your head.

In that respect, the Bulls are one of those teams for the Raptors. Last season, Toronto was swept in four games against Chicago.

In total, Dwane Casey’s men have lost seven consecutive times against the six-time NBA champions. If they are to end that run, they will need to show some mental fortitude.

Next: Raptors NBA trade deadline discussion thread

What do you expect from the Raptors against the Bulls? Let us know in the comments section below.

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