Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls betting tips and predictions for Saturday’s NBA clash. It’s a re-match of Wednesday’s clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
The 76ers got the win on Wednesday, but with the two teams going to Chicago this time around I think we’ll see a different outcome. That game was won mainly on the defensive end as the Sixers held the Bulls to just 98 points. Their defense has been impressive over the past five games with the most points allowed being just 103 against the Blazers 5 days ago. But now they face a tough challenge against a Bulls team which plays really good defense on their home court. To make matters even worse Tobias Harris is still not back from battling an illness and Ben Simmons is out due to personal reasons, so the Sixers will once again have to dig deep for points. When playing as the road underdog the Sixers have not fared well dating back to last season. They are just 6-22-1 ATS in 29 such games.
The Chicago Bulls don’t have any injury worries coming into this game, in fact they had plenty of time to rest and think about the loss on Wednesday. For a team that is averaging 108.3 points per game, those 98 points they scored were a disappointment. Their three-point shooting was particularly a let down as they connected on just 28.6% of shots. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 37 points and 10 rebounds, while Zach LaVine had 27 of his own. Those two weren’t the issue for Chicago, but others will have to step up if they want to get back on the winning track here. One advantage Chicago will have in this game will be rebounding as the Sixers rank dead last in the NBA in rebounds per game.
That advantage could prove to be the key in this game. That and the fact that Joel Embiid has also had issues with his knee the past couple of games, so he might not be at 100% coming into this game. Plus he has had issues with the new ball, his shooting percentages are way down compared to last season. Combine that with the crowd being on the Bulls’ side this time, I think Chicago gets the home win and covers the spread here.
Back the Bulls -3.5 Point Spread at 10/11 odds on bet365!
Missing so many players through injury is bound to cost Philadelphia at some point. They’ve been managing for the most part, but when Harris and Simmons are out it’s a completely different team out there. Their bench is productive, but it’s not sustainable for them to play well the entire season. Tonight’s game will be a challenge as the Bulls allow only 101.2 points per game, ranking among the top teams in the NBA in that category. Philly is also quite decent on the road when it comes to defending, they allow just 102.5 points per game. Chicago is 21st in pace, Philadelphia is 30th, so everything is pointing to a lower scoring affair ere. I’m taking the under.
Under 211.5 Points available at 10/11 odds on bet365!
