While I’m worried about the Bulls’ ability to contain an MVP-caliber big man in Joel Embiid, I do feel confident they will not allow him to have another 50-point, 17-rebound game like he did last season.
*knocks on wood aggressively*
Game Info
Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers – 6:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio)
Stream the game online here with your cable provider.
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Lonzo Ball
2. Zach LaVine
3. Javonte Green
4. DeMar DeRozan
5. Nikola Vucevic
Injury report: Coby White OUT (shoulder), Patrick Williams OUT (wrist)
Philadelphia 76ers
1. Tyrese Maxey
2. Seth Curry
3. Matisse Thybulle
4. Frank Korkmaz
5. Joel Embiid
Injury report: Tobias Harris OUT (NBA Protocol), Danny Green OUT (Hamstring), Grant Miller OUT (knee), Ben Simmons OUT (personal)
What to Watch For …
• While a matchup with the Boston Celtics pitted Chicago against two All-Stars, a meeting with the 76ers could be considered the Bulls’ second-toughest challenge behind Utah. Joel Embiid’s team currently holds the 3rd-best Net Rating in the league, and they have by far been the most efficient scoring offense. So while the Bulls will have to hope their second-half offensive explosion will carry over against this experienced 76ers team, they will also have to hope the defensive miscues that plagued them in the first half of that game are long gone.
• With big bodies like Embiid and Andre Drummond in the rotation, the Bulls will want to lean plenty on the rim-protecting prowess and rebounding ability of Tony Bradley and Derrick Jones Jr. In fact, I would not surprised if we see Bradley clock a few extra minutes tonight against his former team. While Vucevic can haul in defensive rebounds with the best of them, the more physical presence of Bradley could make for a needed change of pace in several stints. It’s a revenge game for him, after all!
• Another reason the advanced stats love Philly: They limit their turnovers and fouls. The 76ers averaged the 7th-fewest turnovers a night and have held opponents to the ninth-fewest free-throw attempts per game. The Bulls have used both points off turnovers and getting to the charity stripe as key ways to grab a lead, so let’s hope they can force Philly into an off-night.
• Ever since Zach LaVine’s and-one to beat the 76ers on ESPN in March of 2019, the man has pretty much feasted against this organization. The dude has averaged 28.6 points per game over the previous five contests, and while he may have a bum thumb tonight, I anticipate a big performance.
• FWIW The Bulls and 76ers are two teams who are not afraid to push the pace when the opportunity presents itself. Philly is currently averaging the most fastbreak points per game (17.3) while the Bulls rank 12th (14.1),
• More in here …
Another Big Test, the Need for Tony Bradley, Ayo Dosunmu’s Progress, and Other Bulls Bulletshttps://t.co/HXfhGUoY4s
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) November 3, 2021