Key Matchups for Sixers vs Bulls
At 23-14, the Philadelphia 76ers host the 17-21 Chicago Bulls as they look to extend their winning streak to four, and 12 straight at home. Tonight marks the second matchup of the season between the Sixers and Bulls, with Philadelphia taking game one in Chicago on October 29th, 114-109. The win extended the 76ers win streak over the Bulls to 12. Including eight consecutive victories in South Philadelphia. The last time Chicago took down Philadelphia was March 9, 2019 in the Windy City.
In the win earlier this season, Joel Embiid led all scorers with 25 points as five other Sixers players also posted in double digits. Embiid also added seven rebounds and four assists. James Harden finished with a double-double of 15 and 11 assists, making 11 of 11 from the foul line – reserve forward Georges Niang came off the bench to also drop 15. The Bulls trio of DeMar Derozan (24), Nic Vucevic (23) and Zach LaVine (20) led the way for Chicago in the loss.
Key Matchups:
Vucevic versus PJ Tucker / Montrezl Harrell / Paul Reed
With Embiid out for the second consecutive game because of left foot soreness, someone is going to have to try to keep the Bulls center in check. Maybe a collective effort? Tucker got the start on Wednesday versus the Pacers, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the same lineup tonight. He averages 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per outing while shooting the ball well as the third option on the team. Could a big offensive night be in store for the one-time Sixer?
De’Anthony Melton vs DeRozan or LaVine: Pick your poison
The top two scorers for the Bulls are a tough cover for anyone and Melton will have to start with one of them. He won’t back down from any challenge, so this will be an intriguing development tonight. Look for Matisse Thybulle’s number to be called as an assignment to slow these All-Star wings down. Through five games in a Bulls uniform, DeRozan averages 30.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists against the Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey vs Ayo Dosunmu: Two talented young guards that can impact a game
Maxey continues to get his legs underneath him in just his 3rd game back after his foot injury. He finished with 17 in the win over the Pacers and a huge steal towards the end of regulation to help force overtime for Philadelphia. At some point, Maxey will have a bust-out game to show that he’s really back — could this be the night?