The Philadelphia 76ers’ train is a-rolling. It took some time, but it’s safe to say Philly has hit its stride as it plays host to the Eastern Conference for Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
This is the second of a four-game set between the two this regular-season, with the Sixers pulling out a win in their first meeting, all the way back on Oct. 29.
Philly star Joel Embiid played a large role in that one, sinking 25 points, including a three that untied the game late. The Sixers held a 19-point edge midway through the second frame, but Chicago eventually fought back to take the lead after the halftime break.
James Harden and Georges Niang both bucketed 15 points for Philly, and DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 24.
The Sixers Have Beaten Chicago 12 Times in a Row
The Sixers have beaten Chicago 12 times in a row. Does Philly make it a baker’s dozen this time around? Or will Chicago snap out of it against an old rival?
Keep reading our Bulls vs 76ers betting preview, which will include NBA team stats and how both squads have done on the NBA schedule as of late. Then, we’ll make our NBA picks for the night.
Last Game Records
Philly (23-14) very well may be the hottest team in the league right now. The Sixers have come out on the right side of 11 of their last 13 NBA matchups, including a current three-game surge.
Most recently, on Wednesday, Philly downed Indiana in overtime on their home floor. The final score of that one was 129-126, with De’Anthony Melton’s late trey coming up big for the Sixers.
Embiid sat with a sore left foot, while James Harden picked up the slack and scored 26 points. Melton had 19.
Chicago (17-21) would like to get used to helping halt runs. The Bulls got past Brooklyn, 121-112, at home Tuesday after allowing Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell to go bonkers the night before.
They snapped the Nets’ 12-game win streak as six players scored double-digits. DeRozan and Patrick Williams both finished with 22 points.
Matchup Information
NBA Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Location of the game: Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia, PA.
Time: Friday, 6th January, 6:00 PM
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Odds
Philadelphia 76ers
NBA player stats have Embiid leading his crew with an average of 33.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Chicago Bulls
DeRozan is posting 26.6 points and 4.9 assists each time out. Center Nikola Vucevic pulls down 10.5 rebounds.
Updates
As we continue through our Bulls vs 76ers betting analysis, it’s always a good idea to check who will be and won’t be on the floor, especially when making NBA picks.
Embiid, December’s Eastern Conference player of the month, is day-to-day. He’s really put his team on his back this season, contending for a second straight NBA scoring title. The Sixers won’t want to miss him for too long, but he won’t be playing Friday night.
For Chicago, Lonzo Ball is out, and Alex Caruso (ankle) and Javonte Green (knee) are questionable.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
NBA odds have Philly as the favorite in this one, as they’re marked down as -4.5 at -110, while the Bulls are the same to cover.
On the money line, the Sixers are -188, and Chicago is a +156 underdog. The total is listed at 231 points, with the over -110 and the under the same.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Prediction
Momentum is a real thing, and it definitely has to be factored into any 76ers predictions. Even without its key player, Philly found a way their last time out, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see role and bench players step up again here.
The Bulls’ defense has been pretty suspect lately, which could spell a big game from a guy like Harden. The Chicago Bulls schedule has seen them allow Mitchell 71 on Monday and Kevin Durant 44 the following night.
Watch for Philly to easily cover in this one at home, as it allows Embiid to rest up and get back to full strength.
When making your Bulls vs 76ers betting picks, bet on the 76ers -4.5.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
More Related to Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers