Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Preview (10/29/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

By Braxton Reynolds | Oct 29, 2022, 1:52pm

Contents

In a Saturday night matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers (2-4) take on the Chicago Bulls (3-3). Despite Embiid’s absence, Philadelphia trounced Toronto 112-90 behind Maxey’s 44-point performance. Chicago, on the other hand, is coming off a horrible 129-124 loss to the Vassell-less Spurs.

With Embiid back, can the 76ers continue their positive momentum? Odds, predictions, key matchups, and starting lineups are below.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Odds

The 76ers enter this matchup favored by 2.5 points, and their moneyline resides at -140. Chicago’s +120 moneyline means they must win 46% of the time to be profitable. The 221.5 over under mark is one of the lowest lines for Saturday games.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Prediction

Although the 76ers have burned me this season, I am taking the moneyline and them to cover -2.5 here.

Joel Embiid is a clear mismatch for Nikola Vucevic, who struggles against physical centers with a skilled offensive repertoire. In his last game against Toronto, Embiid finally appeared dominant, as he produced 31 points on 12/17 from the field. Chicago may also not be able to throw Drummond, a more physical center, at Embiid because he’s questionable. This Chicago center rotation likely bleeds points inside and allows Embiid to take over the game through high percentage shots and free throws.

While Philadelphia’s early struggles have largely been because the offense relied too heavily on Embiid and Harden, that problem is unlikely to plague them tonight. Tyrese Maxey has scored 75 points over the past two games, and he faces an average defender in Zach LaVine who isn’t 100% healthy. With Embiid’s gravity down low, Maxey will stretch this Bulls defense to the limit through his three-point shooting.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris faces DeRozan, another average defender who expends an enormous amount of energy on offense. Harris can utilize the excessive mid-range space and exploit DeRozan at his own game.

Defensively, the 76ers can switch Harris onto Patrick Williams and throw PJ Tucker on DeRozan. Tucker has the strength to block DeRozan from backing him down and setting up his turnaround mid-range jump shot.

Embiid hasn’t been his usual rim protector self, as opponents have cut to the basket without him contesting the shot. Conditioning seems to be the problem, but hopefully two days of rest aided him.

Overall, Philadelphia owns the perimeter firepower to compete with Chicago because of Maxey’s scorching streak. Their interior offense is superior to Chicago’s, and their bench can match the Bulls. This game can go either way, but Philadelphia currently holds the advantage.

Betting Trends

76ers are 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings
Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Chicago

Key Matchups

Which team will win the positional matchups? Check out below for these vital battles.

Zach LaVine vs. Tyrese Maxey

With Maxey’s current shooting, it’s imperative that LaVine elevate his defense and stick to Maxey in transition and off screens. Given Maxey’s lightning-quick speed and elite change of direction, it’s doubtful LaVine has the tools to track him like he could during his Minnesota days. On the other hand, the 76ers would be in great shape if Maxey slows down LaVine’s scoring output. If there is a decisive winner from this matchup, then that player’s team most likely prevails here.

44 PTS | 8 REB | 4 AST

have a (career) night, @TyreseMaxey! 🤩

🎥 presented by @palottery pic.twitter.com/UfhVUsJoRA

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 29, 2022

Ayo Dosunmu vs. James Harden

The 76ers offense flows when Harden gets to his spots and increases teammate shot quality through passing. Ayo’s defense is critical here to limiting easy FGA by forcing the other 76ers to create off the dribble for themselves. If Ayo deters Harden’s mid-range pull up jumper and only allows step back three-pointers, then the Bulls may neutralize Philadelphia’s offensive production.

JEEZ JOEL. 😳 pic.twitter.com/kIGmlFO5Tu

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 26, 2022

Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup

PG: James Harden
SG: Tyrese Maxey
SF: Tobias Harris
PF: PJ Tucker
C: Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers Team Pages

Chicago Bulls Starting Lineups

PG: Ayo Dosunmu
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls Team Pages

Key Injuries

Philadelphia 76ers Injuries:

Chicago Bulls Injuries: Zach LaVine (P), Ayo Dosunmu (P), Andre Drummond (Q), Lonzo Ball (O)

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton is also a contributor at Thunderous Intentions.