Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/2/24)
After missing the team’s past four games, Joel Embiid will return to action when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Take a look below at our Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers predictions, matchup preview, and best bets for this conference battle!
Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction
Surprisingly, the Chicago Bulls have been able to rattle off five wins in their past seven games despite being without All-Star guard Zach LaVine for all seven and Nikola Vucevic for three bouts. Chicago has gotten some impressive play from Coby White and Andre Drummond in the absence of LaVine and Vucevic, which has led the Bulls to secure six wins in their past nine games.
In addition to White and Drummond stepping up on both ends of the floor (and on the glass), the Bulls have gotten a more focused defensive effort from everyone. In the past seven games, Chicago has the third-lowest (best) defensive rating in the NBA, behind only Oklahoma City and New Orleans.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has dropped two of its past four games, but those losses came on the road and without MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid. Luckily, Embiid will be back in action against Andre Drummond and the Chicago Bulls. So, which team will cover this monstrous spread on Tuesday night?
There is little doubt that Philadelphia will win; however, a ten-point spread seems too large, especially considering the Bulls have beaten the Sixers on the road already this season. Chicago has the personnel to keep this game close; Jevon Carter, Coby White, and Alex Caruso can trade off as primary defenders on soon-to-be All-Star Tyrese Maxey. While they won’t be able to stop Maxey completely, their guards can make life tough on him.
Additionally, Andre Drummond is a tough interior defender who is amongst the few players in the NBA who can match the physicality of a player like Joel Embiid. If Drummond can stay out of foul trouble and contest, then Chicago is in a solid spot here.
Lastly, the Bulls’ perimeter defense, particularly in their past seven games, has been outstanding; they have allowed opponents to shoot just 32% from behind the arc, which ranks fourth in the NBA but is also only 0.1% out of second in that span. If Chicago can execute defensively, it is challenging to see Philly running away with this one.
Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Bulls +10
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Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Best Odds
The Chicago Bulls are ten-point road dogs when they face off with the 76ers in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Chicago has long Moneyline odds of +360 to sneak out an unexpected road win, while the Sixers are -470 favorites to win outright at home, where they have a 12-4 record on the season. The point total for this game hangs around a modest 223.5 points, with the Over holding a slight advantage of -112, while the Under rests at -108.
Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup
PG: Alex Caruso
SG: Coby White
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Andre Drummond
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: De’Anthony Melton
SF: Kelly Oubre Jr.
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Joel Embiid
Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers Injuries
Chicago is still dealing with several injuries to key players, including Lonzo Ball (knee), Nikola Vucevic (groin), Torrey Craig (heel), and Zach LaVine (foot.) Ball will not return any time soon, but Vucevic and LaVine should be back in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have mostly avoided the injury bug so far this season; they will be without De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (knee), and Furkan Korkmaz (illness.) Luckily, none of these injuries are expected to sideline these players for a long period of time.
