Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Sunday matinee preview, Digi Mart USA News (Chicago, Illinois): The Philadelphia 76ers finish their road trip on Sunday afternoon by visiting the Chicago Bulls. It is the second meeting between the teams in under a week, with the Sixers winning the first game 126-107 on Monday.
Chicago entered that first contest 1-5, and the then 6-1 Sixers did not pull away until the final few minutes. Since then, the Bulls have dropped to 1-7 on the season and enter Sunday on a six-game losing streak.
Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Sunday’s game due to plantar fasciitis management. Adem Bona is ruled out for a second consecutive game with a cervical spine sprain, and Dominick Barlow remains out with back trouble, which may place more pressure on Embiid to play even if he is not fully healthy.
For Chicago, Nic Claxton is listed as questionable after starting the season sidelined with a hamstring strain, leaving some uncertainty about who will start at center. Jalen Smith, who has been starting at the five in Claxton’s absence, is probable with a left finger sprain.
Tobe Awaka is questionable, while Zach Collins and Dailyn Swain are out.
The Bulls have had extra rest, as they have not played since Wednesday. In the first meeting, all five Sixers starters scored in double figures, and three scored more than 20 points.
VJ Edgecombe scored 21 points on 9-for-12 shooting, Tyrese Maxey recorded 26 points and 11 assists, Jaylen Brown added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and LeBron James posted 15 points and nine assists.
The Sixers’ transition game was a key factor in that win, with Philadelphia converting easy baskets after defensive rebounds. Keeping that approach, limiting Chicago’s offensive rebounds and spreading the workload would be important for Philadelphia.
The Sixers come off their second loss of the season and are expected to be the stronger team, though the game is not assured. The Sixers and Bulls tip off at 3:30 p.m.
ET at the United Center. The game can be watched on NBC Sports Philadelphia and heard on 97.5 The Fanatic.
