The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Chicago Bulls on February 24, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Both teams are struggling, with the Bulls sitting at 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-35 record, while the 76ers are 12th at 20-36. These teams last met on January 25, with Philadelphia winning 109-97 in Chicago.
Philadelphia comes into this game on a seven-game losing streak, while Chicago has dropped its last six games. Despite the rough patches, both teams are still in the hunt for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls hold a slight edge, but a win for the 76ers would close the gap significantly. This matchup is crucial for both teams if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive.
This game will also test the mental toughness of both teams. The Bulls lost a pair of close games to the Knicks and Suns, while the 76ers were edged out by the Nets on a buzzer-beater. The outcome of this game could hinge on which team can shake off recent disappointments and execute better in crunch time.
Philadelphia 76ers Preview – Can Embiid Find His Form?
Philadelphia has had a rough stretch, losing seven games in a row. The most recent loss came against Brooklyn, where the 76ers fell 105-103 on a last-second shot. Despite Tyrese Maxey’s clutch three-pointer to tie the game, the team could not secure the win.
Joel Embiid has not been himself lately. He is shooting just 7-of-22 from the field over the last two games and has been dealing with a knee injury. Head coach Nick Nurse even kept him on the bench during the fourth quarter of the last game, signaling concerns about his health and performance.
On a brighter note, Quentin Grimes has been solid since joining the 76ers. He has scored in double figures in all six games and provides stability in the backcourt. Tyrese Maxey continues to lead the scoring, as shown by his 31-point performance against the Nets. Philadelphia needs Embiid to step up, but Maxey and Grimes will also play key roles in this matchup.
Chicago Bulls Preview – Can the Bulls Snap Their Skid?
Chicago is on a six-game losing streak and looking to bounce back. The Bulls have lost two tight games since the All-Star break, including a 113-111 overtime loss to the Knicks and a 121-117 defeat against the Suns. Despite the losses, head coach Billy Donovan is pleased with the team’s effort.
Josh Giddey has been the standout for the Bulls. He scored 24 points, with 10 assists and 8 rebounds against Phoenix. Coby White also contributed 20 points and 8 assists, while Nikola Vucevic had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Rookie Matas Buzelis continues to improve, scoring 15 points in the last game. He has scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 outings. The Bulls need to translate their competitive performances into wins, and this game against the struggling 76ers could be a good opportunity.
Betting Prediction
The spread and total for this game are yet to be announced, but this looks like a close matchup. Both teams have been struggling, and neither has shown a consistent ability to close out games. With the Bulls being slightly better in the standings and showing strong performances even in losses, they might have the edge.
The key for Chicago will be containing Maxey and keeping Embiid uncomfortable. Philadelphia’s chances hinge on Embiid’s health and whether the supporting cast can step up. Given the recent form, Chicago should win a tight contest, with a predicted score of Chicago 110, Philadelphia 105.
Pick: Chicago Bulls +2.5 over Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
