Rematch in the Windy City
The Philadelphia 76ers (48-23) and the Chicago Bulls (34-37) square off for a rematch on Wednesday night. The two went to double overtime on Monday, which the Bulls won 109-105. This time they will clash in the Windy City, giving Chicago a home advantage.
The 76ers hope to bounce back after snapping their eight-game winning streak. The Bulls are 3-0 outright and against the spread (ATS) in the last three games. Let’s check the latest NBA news surrounding the matchup.
76ers Fall to Third
Philly’s loss on Monday had consequences. The Boston Celtics passed the 76ers for the No. 2 seed. If Philadelphia fails to overtake the Celtics again, this will affect its NBA title odds. The sportsbook currently lists the 76ers as the sixth choice to win the championship (+1100).
Monday’s loss was a poor offensive showing. Philly scored only 91 points in regulation while shooting 42.2% from the field and 27.8% on 3-pointers. Center Joel Embiid did the bulk of the scoring with 37 points and 16 rebounds. He continues to prove his case for the MVP Award. NBA lines have Embiid as the favorite (-225) over Nikola Jokic (+275).
Joel Embiid with the spin and finish 😤
📺: 76ers-Cavs on ESPN pic.twitter.com/BfJ11kWEGl
— ESPN (@espn) March 16, 2023
However, his counterparts struggled against the Bulls. Guards James Harden (21.4 points) and Tyrese Maxey (20 points) shot a combined 2-of-13 on 3-pointers. Chicago ranks 28th in allowed 3-pointers per game. The 76ers must shoot the three better on Wednesday night.
Bulls’ Wings Showing Out
Chicago could start making some serious headway in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls are firmly in the NBA Play-In Tournament with the 10th seed and are 2½ games ahead of the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers. Chicago is 5-1 and 4-1-1 ATS over the last five. Plus, the Bulls are only half a game back from the Toronto Raptors for the No. 9 seed. Chicago’s NBA odds are dropping at +375 to make the postseason.
The Bulls leaned on their defense in Monday’s win. They rank ninth in allowed points per game and seventh in opponent shooting percentage. Embiid had his way, but Chicago’s perimeter defense rose to the challenge. Zach LaVine (26 points) and DeMar DeRozan (25 points) also combined for 51 points.
LaVine has scored at least 25 points in eight of the last nine and DeRozan has done so in four of the last five. The Bulls have gotten three combined 40-point games from the star duo since March 1.
76ers vs Bulls Game Injuries
76ers vs Bulls Head-to-Head
Following Monday’s win, the Bulls have won back-to-back games while going 2-0 ATS against the 76ers. However, Chicago has lost six consecutive games at home against Philadelphia.
76ers vs Bulls Game Information
- Game:76ers (48-23) vs Bulls (34-37)
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Day/Time: Wednesday, March 22, 8:00 p.m. ET
- 76ers vs Bulls Live stream: NBA Game Pass
76ers vs Bulls Betting Lines
76ers vs Bulls Picks and Prediction
Now it’s time to make our NBA picks. On Monday, I took the 76ers to cover the eight-point spread. That failed miserably. Apparently, I haven’t learned my lesson because I’m rolling with Philly once again. Philadelphia’s poor 3-point shooting seemed to just be a bad shooting night. The Bulls do not have a good perimeter defense, and the 76ers lead the NBA in 3-point percentage. Take Philly on the moneyline.
Philadelphia is listed at -150 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the 76ers, you have a chance to win $67. Chicago is +130, offering a chance to win $130 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Philadelphia a 60.00% chance to win, with the Bulls at 43.48%.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
76ers vs Bulls Trends
76ers vs Bulls Edge
76ers vs Bulls Results
76ers vs Bulls Game Summary
Bulls vs 76ers Previous(Mar 20, 2023)
If James Harden did not play, the Bulls would have a shot. However, the 76ers’ lead assists man at 10.8 per game is probable to play. Philadelphia’s offense could be humming once again. Chicago is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight road games, and the 76ers have covered four straight. The Bulls’ perimeter defense will struggle against one of the NBA’s top 3-point shooting teams. Take Philadelphia to cover the NBA point spread.
