Game preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls instant rematch vs. Philadelphia 76ers
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The Chicago Bulls (34-37) host the Philadelphia 76ers (48-23) tonight. The Bulls beat them 109-105 in double overtime in Philadelphia on Monday. Zach LaVine led the way with 26 points, seven assists and three steals, DeMar DeRozan had 25 points, eight rebounds and three steals, and Nikola Vucevic added 21 points, 12 rebounds and four steals in the victory.
Philadelphia 76ers (48-23) vs. Chicago Bulls (34-37)
Wednesday, March 22 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center
Philadelphia 76ers
- Points Per Game: 115.4 (13th of 30)
- Opponent Points Per Game: 110.4 (3rd of 30)
- Bench Points Per Game: 31.6 (23rd of 30)
- Pace: 97 (26th of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 117.7 (3rd of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 112.7 (6th of 30)
- Net Rating: +5 (3rd of 30)
Chicago Bulls
- Points Per Game: 113.5 (18th of 30)
- Opponent Points Per Game: 112.5 (9th of 30)
- Bench Points Per Game: 29.8 (25th of 30)
- Pace: 98.7 (17th of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 113.5 (24th of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 112.5 (5th of 30)
- Net Rating: +1 (11th of 30)
Reduce the amount of help Embiid receives
Even with Chicago playing amazing team defense, Joel Embiid will still do his kind of damage on offense. Therefore, the Bulls must again prevent his teammates from putting up big numbers.
Tyrese Maxey had 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds in 46 minutes on Monday, but he was 9-of-19 from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point range.
With James Harden struggling with his shot, Maxey tried to pick up the slack on offense against the Bulls. The talented guard is playing well in March, averaging 22.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 35.5 minutes over 11 games for the 76ers.
Maxey is averaging 20.7 points, five assists and 4.3 rebounds in 37.3 minutes over three games against the Bulls this season, and they must contain him to win their 35th game.
Better execution
The Bulls struggled to score effectively on Monday, shooting 41.5 percent from the field (39-of-94) with 20 assists on their 39 made baskets.
Chicago didn’t stretch the floor effectively, making just seven of their 33 attempts from beyond the arc (21.2 percent). Still, they limited their mistakes when attacking (10 turnovers) and didn’t give easy opportunities to the 76ers.
It wasn’t pretty, but the defense led by Patrick Beverley did enough. He slowed down "the Beard" before fouling out in the second overtime. Harden had 12 assists, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block, but he scored just five points on 2-of-14 shooting with five turnovers.
Noteworthy
- The Bulls won the last meeting, 109-105 in double overtime on Monday. LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points.
- The Bulls are 2-8 in the last 10 matchups against the 76ers.
Projected lineups
- 76ers: Embiid, Harris, House, Harden, Maxey
- Bulls: Vucevic, Williams, LaVine, DeRozan, Beverley
Injury Report
- 76ers: James Harden (left Achilles soreness) and P.J. Tucker (left ankle soreness) are questionable on Wednesday.
- Bulls: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Alex Caruso (left mid-foot sprain) are questionable.
