On Sunday, 02\/24, the Philadelphia 76ers (20-36) will host the Chicago Bulls (22-35) in an Eastern Conference Regular-Season match-up. The 76ers have slipped to the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference whereas the Bulls are holding onto a 10th spot by a hair’s breadth. Which squad will improve their play-in tournament chances here? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.<\/p>
76ers: Going down with each month<\/strong><\/p> The Philadelphia 76ers enter the affair after a devastating 103-105 loss against the Brooklyn Nets despite a 31-point performance by Tyrese Maxey. They have lost seven in a row and nine out of their last ten games. Three of their last four losses have been in the 2-4 points range, indicating an inability to close out games. During their 7-game losing streak, the 76ers have accumulated just 106.6 points per game(5th worst). Their long-range shooting has been terrible as they have made just 11.1 per game(4th worst) on a 29.4% clip(2nd worst).<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Tyrese Maxey | SG<\/strong>: Quinten Grimes | SF<\/strong>: Kelly Oubre Jr. | SF<\/strong>: Paul George | C<\/strong>: Joel Embiid<\/p> Injuries:<\/strong> Eric Gordon, Justin Edwards, and Jared McCain are OUT.<\/p> Bulls: LaVine’s departure has broken them<\/strong><\/p> The Bulls come into this game after a 4-point loss(117-121) against the Phoenix Suns as Josh Giddey had an impressive 24-point, 10-assist performance. They are on a six-game losing streak and are 2-8 since the Zach LaVine’s trade. However, one huge positive has been the play of Giddey who has upped his scoring. But there is a high chance that the team keeps losing its hold on their play-in tournament spot. <\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Josh Giddey | PG<\/strong>\/SG<\/strong>: Lonzo Ball | SG<\/strong>: Coby White | PF<\/strong>: Matas Buzelis | C<\/strong>: Nikola Vucevic<\/p> Injuries<\/strong>: Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu are OUT. Jalen Smith is Game-Time Decision.<\/p> The Bulls have hovered in the 108-111 points range since the departure of LaVine. Meanwhile, the 76ers have found it difficult to get past the 105 mark on numerous occasions. However, it doesn’t mean we are in for a total defensive battle since both teams have had their fair share of defensive lapses too. At any rate, I expect the total to hover around 220 here.<\/p> Projected Predictions:<\/strong><\/p>Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls Total Over\/Under Prediction<\/strong><\/h2>