The Philadelphia 76ers have one more game on this road trip before they head home, visiting the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon.
This is the second time in under a week the Sixers and Bulls are meeting, with the Sixers winning their first foray this week 126-107 back on Monday. With the Bulls going into that contest 1-5, some may have expected the then 6-1 Sixers to have handled that game with ease… but it took until the final few minutes for Philadelphia to finally pull away from Chicago. Since
then, the Bulls have dropped to 1-7 on the season, and come into Sunday on a six-game skid.
Looking at the injury reports, Joel Embiid is currently probable for Sunday’s contest due to plantar
fasciitis management. Not sure if it was what was bothering him on Friday, but he certainly seemed off in that one to say the least. And the hits just keep coming at the center position for Philadelphia with Adem Bona ruled out for a second consecutive game due to a cervical spine sprain. This may mean that — for better or worse —there’s more pressure on Embiid to play even if he isn’t 100% right now. The only other injury note for the Sixers are that Dominick Barlow (back) remains out.
For the Bulls, there is some mystery around who may be playing center for them tomorrow as well. Nic Claxton is currently listed as questionable after being sidelined to start the season with a hamstring strain. Him being listed as questionable is a step toward the direction of the Bulls’ starting center possibly taking the floor against the Sixers. Jalen Smith, who has been starting at the five in Claxton’s absence, is probable with a left finger sprain. Also for Chicago, Tobe Awaka is questionable while Zach Collins and Dailyn Swain are out.
The Bulls will have the rest advantage this afternoon as they haven’t played since Wednesday for some unknown reason. Who am I to question the wisdom of the NBA schedule makers?
Earlier this week, the Sixers utilized a widespread effort across their starters to get the job done against the Bulls. All five starters scored in the double-digits, and three scored more than 20 points each. It was an especially impressive night from VJ Edgecombe, who shot 9-for-12 from the floor and 2-for-4 from behind the arc for 21 points. Tyrese Maxey had a 26-point, 11 assist double-double, Jaylen Brown added a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double, and LeBron James posted 15 points and nine assists — some of which were just incredible displays of playmaking.
I’m a big believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. One of the things the Sixers did exceptionally well in that contest was getting out in transition on a clinical level. A shot would go up on the defensive end, James would be ready to rebound as Edgecombe or Maxey preemptively charged up the floor. A few incredible, quarterback-level passes from James and the Sixers enjoyed the benefits of taking the easy buckets as they came.
That last part is my advice for the Sixers tonight: don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Take the easy buckets out in stride when you can get them. Don’t let the Bulls grab offensive rebound after offensive rebound for second chance points. Don’t rely on one player to do all the heavy lifting. Spread the floor and the ball, and don’t turn it into a battle to the end with a team that is objectively worse. If you can, get a lead big enough that even Nick Nurse gives the starting five a little rest toward the end.
Coming off just their second loss of the season, one can imagine the Sixers coming into Sunday with a strong desire to right the ship. Right there with them is a Bulls squad that is desperately trying to find their footing this season and may have their starting center back in the mix. Regardless, this is one that the Sixers really should win, barring any major changes to the injury reports pregame.
But we all know how well “should” goes in the NBA.
The Sixers and Bulls tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When: Sunday, November 8, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
