The Chicago Bulls will square off with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. A win by the Bulls will give them a sweep of the season series against a team desperately looking to clinch an outright playoff berth. Chicago, which stunned the Houston Rockets 132-124, hopes to play the spoiler again.
Meanwhile, the hobbled Sixers (39-33) want to keep in step with the Atlanta Hawks (40-32) for the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference. Philly will host Chicago without Tyrese Maxey (finger) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow). The home team hopes Joel Embiid (oblique) and Quentin Grimes (illness) will be cleared to play.
Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers Odds
Moneyline: Bulls (+200) vs. 76ers (-250)
Odds: Bulls (+6.5 -110) vs. 76ers (-6.5 -110)
Total (O/U): Bulls (o239.0 -110) vs. 76ers (u239.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineups
Bulls Starting Lineup
PG: Tre Jones | PG: Josh Giddey | SF: Matas Buzelis | PF: Jalen Smith | C: Nick Richards
76ers Starting Lineup
SG: VJ Edgecombe | SF: Justin Edwards | SF: Paul George | PF: Dominick Barlow | C: Joel Embiid
Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Prediction
Preview
The Bulls, 2-0 against the 76ers this season, will feel confident about their chances of another win. Chicago outlasted Philly in both games despite Tyrese Maxey having a big scoring game in the first and Joel Embiid having an impressive night in the second. Maxey is out while Embiid remains uncertain in the third encounter.
Chicago averaged 41% from deep against Philadelphia in those wins. Josh Giddey also made his presence felt with his all-around brilliance. If the Bulls can replicate both, they could sweep the season series against the 76ers.
On the other hand, the 76ers’ 3-point defense has to be decisive and crisp, or the Bulls could leave Philly with a win.
The good news for Philadelphia is that it will welcome back Paul George, who finished serving a 25-game suspension. Embiid might also suit up after he was upgraded to questionable. If both will play, the 76ers will have the clear advantage on paper.
Prediction
The Bulls seem to relish playing spoilers against the 76ers, who are in dire need of a win. However, Philadelphia will be hyped with Paul George’s return and Joel Embiid’s potential availability. Expect the home team to win by a margin that beats the -6.5 spread.
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