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Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers - GAME DAY PREVIEW
The Chicago Bulls (14-19) look to end the year 2023 on a victorious note as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers (21-9) on Saturday night in the last game of a six-game home stand. The Bulls have three wins so far on this favorable stretch but will surely be tested by a Sixers squad that is trying to manufacture victories without the reigning league MVP, Joel Embiid, who’s nursing an injured ankle.
Undermanned Bulls
The Bulls are playing without numerous key players led by All-Stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic and rugged forward Torrey Craig, leading to substantial minutes being given to third-stringers Terry Taylor and Dalen Terry. And while the latter stepped up in his 18 minutes on the floor (six points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal, three blocks, and a +/- of +29), it wasn’t enough as the Pacers led by as much as 25 points.
Chicago made a daring comeback and seized a 93-90 lead but couldn’t finish it off, no thanks to the heroics of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who had several triples down the stretch to help hold off the rampaging Bulls. The All-Star point guard had a sensational night with 21 points, 20 assists, and zero turnovers.
Young forward Patrick Williams, who had 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 38 minutes, said the Bulls ran out of gas trying to overhaul the massive deficit.
“The way we played (from behind), we were more aggressive, more physical on both ends, and that’s something we can take away. You never want to put yourself in position to fight back from that deficit. We did a good job working our way back in the game, but it was tough, spent a lot of energy to get back,” Williams said.
Payback
The Sixers are eager to get one back on the Bulls, which beat them 108-104 in their first meeting last December 18. However, they will have to try and do this without Embiid, who has already been sidelined for a few games due to an ankle injury. Veteran wingman Nicolas Batum will also be in street clothes because of a hamstring injury.
