The Philadelphia 76ers snapped a nasty four-game losing skid, all on the road, on Friday when they returned home. They will look to keep things going on the home floor on Sunday. They own the NBA’s best home record at 23-2 and they own some impressive wins in front of the passionate fans in Philadelphia.
Sunday’s opponent is the Chicago Bulls who possess some of the best young talent in the league and they’re hanging around in the playoff race as they are just three games back for the 8 seed in the East. They are led by Zach LaVine who continues to put up some impressive numbers and will give the Sixers some issues in this one.
With that said, it’s time for the guide to this matchup:
How to watch Sixers vs. Bulls
- Date: Sunday, February 9
- Time: 6:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
- TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Injury Report
- Sixers: OUT: Alec Burks (trade pending), Glenn Robinson III (trade pending) QUESTIONABLE: Joel Embiid (neck stiffness), Al Horford (left Achilles soreness) AVAILABLE: Kyle O’Quinn (personal reasons)
- Bulls: OUT: Wendell Carter Jr. (right ankle sprain), Kris Dunn (right knee sprain), Lauri Markkanen (right pelvis stress reaction), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot fracture), Max Strus (left knee ACL rehab) QUESTIONABLE: Zach LaVine (neck spasms, Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) DOUBTFUL: Denzel Valentine (left hamstring soreness) PROBABLE: Ryan Arcidiacono (right elbow discomfort), Chandler Hutchison (right shoulder soreness), Tomas Satoransky (left ankle soreness)
Storylines
Sixers discuss lineup change
The Sixers have been trying to make Al Horford fit in with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, but it has been tough to watch at times. While the defense has been one of the best in the league, they have had a tough time trying to make it all work on the offensive end of the floor. Due to the offensive struggles, coach Brett Brown and general manager Elton Brand have discussed moving Horford to the bench despite his $109 million price tag.
“Brett’s been empowered to any decision he feels to win,” said general manager Elton Brand. “Whatever that is, he’s been empowered to do it. Whatever you see fit, whatever player or bench role, he’s been empowered. It hasn’t been this latest road woe and losing streak, we talked about this weeks ago. Whatever you feel needs to be done. Let’s win.”
Richardson stepping into a leader
After their loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, Josh Richardson led a players-only meeting in order to try and work some things out amongst the team. It appeared to work as they came out with a lot more energy in the final game of the trip against the Milwaukee Bucks and then they knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies while leading by as many as 33. Richardson explained why he called the meeting and stepping into a leadership role.
“Everybody has a different role on the team and stepping up in the vocal leadership role might be my thing,” he said. “We’re all kind of figuring it out.”
Prediction
Despite the fact that the Sixers could be missing a few guys, they should easily win this one. They’re at home, where they are just a much different team than on the road, and the Bulls injury list is a mile long. Philadelphia should be able to use their size and length in order to get this one done and pick up another win on the home floor.
Pick: Sixers by double-digits
Sixers vs. Bulls season series
Game 1 January 17: 100-89 Sixers
Game 2 February 9:
Game 3 March 26:
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