The Chicago Bulls have been 1-6 since January 12, with a net rating of -8.3 (25th).
The Philadelphia 76ers have been 1-6 since January 12, with a net rating of -12.5 (27th).
What a riveting game this will be!
- In all seriousness, tonight’s meeting with the 76ers matters quite a lot. Philadelphia currently sits 2.0 games behind the Bulls and 11th in the Eastern Conference. While Chicago is on a path to potentially keep their first-round pick AND make the Play-In Tournament, moving down the totem pole will only strengthen their case and improve their lottery odds. The 76ers still have every reason to reach for the postseason with a nucleus of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. As for the Bulls, they have every reason to play for ping-pong balls and scour the trade market. Winning this game simply isn’t in their best interest.
- If the Bulls traded places with the 76ers right now, they would see a substantial change in their lottery odds. Philly currently owns the seventh-worst record in the league overall, falling behind the Bulls (9th) and Trail Blazers (8th). This means they have a 34.1 percent chance to finish with the 8th overall pick and a 19.7 percent chance to finish 7th overall. They also see their shot at a Top 4 pick improve to 32.0 percent. The Bulls, on the other hand, have a 50.7 percent chance of having the 9th overall pick and only a 20.3 percent chance at a Top 4 slot. I know that may not feel like a significant difference, but it is … especially in a draft expected to be as loaded as this one!
- Here is a look at the current lottery odds via Tankathon:
- The 76ers have been a borderline disaster this season. Their three top talents โ Embiid, Maxey, and George โ have only played a total of 192 minutes together. Embiid has been held to 13 total games, and he will miss his 11th straight game tonight as he works through swelling in his knee. Still, many would have expected this group to look far more competent than they have without their superstar. George has struggled to live up to the hype and has averaged only 17.4 points per game on 42.8 percent shooting from the field. Maxey has also struggled mightily with his scoring efficiency. While still a deadly threat in transition and off the bounce, he is shooting a career-worst 42.9 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from downtown. The lackluster play of these two stars has led Philly to a 110.2 offensive rating, which is the seventh-worst in the NBA.
- With that said, perhaps last night’s shocking 132-129 victory is a positive sign for Philly. Maxey and George had arguably their best performance yet, combining for 59 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the field against the East’s top team. Kelly Oubre Jr. also made a real difference with his downhill attack, scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds on 8-16 shooting. There is no question that Philly has the talent to embarrass a Chicago defense that has allowed the single-most points in the paint all season long. This is especially true when we consider the 76ers average the fifth-most free throw attempts a night.
- Can Nikola Vucevic bounce back after a weird night in Golden State? The big man only took nine shot attempts and finished with his fewest points since November 17, 2024. With Embiid stuck on the bench, the Bulls might as well establish Vucevic early in the post. Guerschon Yabusele has played well at the time this season in his return to the NBA, but Vucevic has an advantage in the size and experience departments. As for Andre Drummond, he’s performed so poorly in his reunion with Philly that he’s started to register DNPs.
- For what it’s worth, Jake Fischer reiterated in a recent livestream for Bleacher Report that Zach LaVine wants to stay in Chicago. He made sure to stress how big of a change that is from the relationship that had existed behind the scenes prior:
โThatโs a really seismic shift from how this dynamic had been going for the last couple seasons โฆ There were a lot of legitimate conversations about some type of riff or not exactly a close dynamic between him and Billy Donovan in years past,” Fischer said.
- Nevertheless, the rumors persist! We talked about the Bucks and Suns potentially emerging as suitors on Friday, as well as how LaVine could become a part of a possible mega deal forming for Jimmy Butler. More thoughts on all those reports here.
- Nikola Vucevic is also one of the most talked about players on the trade market, and the Bulls may be trying to stir up a bidding war. I’m sure that will go over well!
- So it sounds like Matt Eberflus already has a new job …
- The Blackhawks were part of a massive trade in the NHL last night. Can the Bulls follow in their footsteps!?
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