The Philadelphia 76ers are set to host the Chicago Bulls in their home opener on Thursday night. The 76ers began their season by losing to the Boston Celtics in the season opener on Tuesday night. The Chicago Bulls went just 2-3 during the preseason and will open up their regular season on Thursday night. Both the Sixers and Bulls have young rosters, but they are two of the up and coming teams in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia made the NBA Playoffs last season, while the Bulls finished 27-55 a season ago.
76ers vs. Bulls Odds
The Philadelphia 76ers are 11.5 point favorites over the Bulls in this game. The over/under for total points in this game is set at 215.
Spread: Philadelphia 76ers -11.5
Total: 215
76ers vs. Bulls Head to Head
The Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls met three times a season ago. The Bulls won the first matchup, but the Sixers responded by beating Chicago the next two meetings. The 76ers lead the all-time series over the Chicago Bulls, 119-105.
76ers vs. Bulls Stats
The Philadelphia 76ers were led by Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in their season-opening loss. Embiid led the team with 23 points and also grabbed ten rebounds. Point guard Ben Simmons nearly posted a triple-double in game one, scoring 19 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists. Philadelphia shot just 39 percent in their season-opening loss and will look to improve upon this against the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls second-year player Lauri Markkanen averaged over 15 points and seven rebounds a game last season as a rookie. Markkanen averaged more than two three-pointers per game and should improve upon this number in his second season. Point guard Zach LaVine played in just 24 games last season but is the Bulls leading returning scorer at 16.7 points per game.
76ers vs. Bulls News
The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to have Markelle Fultz in their starting lineup again for this game. Fultz made his first start in the season opener, but the results were not good for Philadelphia. Sharp shooter JJ Redick is expected to come off the bench again against the Bulls.
Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. will be in the starting lineup for the Chicago Bulls in his NBA debut. Carter was chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA Draft out of Duke University. Chicago native Jabari Parker will come off the bench in his first game with his hometown team.
76ers vs. Bulls Predictions
The Philadelphia 76ers were embarrassed by the way that they played in the season opener, but they should look better in this game. The Chicago Bulls have an extremely young roster, but they also have some talented players. Look for the Bulls to keep this game close, but the Sixers to put the game away in the final minute. Bet the Chicago Bulls +11.5 in this game.
