Chicago’s back in the Eastern Conference playoff picture after wins in six of their last 10, sitting in the final play-in spot at 17-21. The Bulls are coming off a win at third-place Brooklyn on Wednesday, while Friday is the first of a back-to-back. Philadelphia’s riding a three-game win streak, and at 23-14 hold the fifth spot in the East.

Philadelphia could be without top-two NBA scorer Joel Embiid though, as Embiid missed Wednesday’s win over Indiana with a foot injury. As of Thursday, there is no update for the superstar’s status against the Bulls Friday. Tip-off at Wells Fargo Center is at 7 p.m. EST.

Bulls vs. 76ers NBA Betting Odds

Philadelphia’s on a 12-game win streak against Chicago, also covering in eight straight games versus the Bulls. Chicago is winless in their last eight trips to Philadelphia too. Friday’s the second of four meetings this season between these clubs. The 76ers won 114-109 back on October 29, a contest that saw Embiid hit a game-winning three with 18 seconds to go.

Philadelphia’s been dominant at home overall this season with wins in 16 of 21 home games. Chicago’s struggled on the road meanwhile, winning just 7 of 19 away games. The 76ers are also 15-6 against the spread on home court, and have 11 straight wins at home.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago got a collective effort in Wednesday’s win at Brooklyn, with all four starters finishing in double-digit points and DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams both ended with a team-high 22. The Bulls converted on 27 of 29 free throw attempts in the win, which is right in line for their full season as they rank second in the NBA when it comes to hitting free throws. DeRozan and Williams went a perfect 13-for-13 from the charity stripe Wednesday.

The Bulls have scored at least 118 points in six of their last seven outings, which is a bump up for an offence that ranks 14th in points per game with 114.5. Philadelphia allows the second-fewest points though, making Friday a huge test for Chicago.

Philadelphia 76ers

It was no Embiid, no problem for Philadelphia on Wednesday, at least for the offence. The 76ers held on for a 129-126 overtime win against Indiana with five players scoring at least 19 points. James Harden led the team with 26 while centre Montrezl Harrell scored 19 off the bench on eight-of-nine shooting from the field. Philadelphia got 48 points from their bench, which is exactly what they need if Embiid and his 33.5 points per game is absent on Friday.

Philadelphia still has secondary scoring too, as Harden and point guard Tyrese Maxey are comfortably above 20 points a game this season. Maxey’s shooting above 40 per cent from three too, and both he and Harden are averaging just under three treys a game.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bulls vs. 76ers?

BULLS

Away

107

76ERS

Home

115

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